Add 7 drops of food dye

Steps For Cardboard Collage

3. Give Space for the Artist´s Observations.

When Avery does art I like to be close to watch her process. I’m physically nearby but am conscious to give her mental space. In the silent space between us, we are comfortable together in our quietness, making our own internal noticings. This gives her time to concentrate or share an observation outwardly if she chooses.

kWhen doing this particular collage Avery noticed & named: “Hey, this cardboard can bend!” - Sharing an observation as she manipulates a known material in a new way.

“Tape is sticky here but smooth here. Tricky, smooth, sticky, smooth.” - Noting differences in textures and being playful with words and pattern making.

“Woah, bubble wrap can be loud. It surprised me.” - Embracing and experiencing the collage with her senses. How Do I Talk to my child about their art? When Avery is beaming with pride after doing her collage she looks up at me and waits. It’s quick and easy for me to say “Oh, it’s beautiful” but there is so much richness if I talk WITH Avery about her process. Honestly, it’s not my place to make judgements or assumptions about her work. It’s a moment to gain insight into Avery’s process and give her tools to describe her work in the future. I consciously use descriptive language about my observations. When chatting with Avery about her collage you might hear me say: “I noticed those two pieces of cardboard are overlapping.” “I see you have used a lot of square pieces in your collage.” “Look at all the different ways you have chosen to use the cardboard.”