However, what can be done when the weather doesn't get warm enough or it is too rainy to play outside, and your children still want to be creative? Let's talk about art activities to fill the many hours when you have creative children. Art has two functions: 1) it is a true picture of what your child is thinking, and 2) it can be an expression of your child's feelings. The parent's role is to offer your child arts and crafts materials for your child to "create." Is it creating your child's own masterpiece or something that is pre-cut and predesigned?

There are two different kinds of children's art: process-focused and product-focused.

Process-focused art is when your child is given materials, they talk about what they want to make or create, and they do it. For example, it might be a sunny cold day, and you give your child markers, colored construction paper, scissors, and glue. You and your child talk about what they are feeling on this day, and they create a picture about it. It is important that your child does the work. They can cut out different shapes like the sun, grass, etc., and using a glue stick, create a picture. In process art there are no pre-drawings or samples made. Children need to be able to create what they think is “their work and their creative expression."

Ask a child what they made and why they made it. The key is to listen carefully to what they say. Years ago, my four-year-old daughter made a creation out of paper towel rolls, stickie notes, lots of glue, and paint. When it dried, she showed me what she had made. I said, "Wow, what a cool rocket. That is what it looked like to me. She said, "Mom, this isn't a rocket. It's me and my teddy riding on the swings." Never assume what a piece of art represents.

On the other hand, product-based art uses a template, a picture/model, tracing materials, or pre­ cut pieces. There are often step-by-step instructions, and only one right way to proceed. There is a finished product in mind and less creativity. While there is room for these projects once in a while, like at a birthday party or as a last resort, they should not be what your child does every day.

Process art is unique, relaxing, and calming. Set up a box or an area for your child's creative art projects. Add old toothbrushes, finger paint, paint rollers, tissue paper, mashed potatoes, art pens, and other recyclable materials. Other items that can be added include ingredients for homemade playdough (Google it for recipes), playdough cutters, yarn, and cloth.

After your child creates, ask, "What did you make?" Assume nothing. You might say, "I like how hard you worked on your project. You used lots of different materials. Did you have fun doing it?"

Anne E. Mead, Ed. D. is the director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships for Danbury Public Schools. She can be reached at 203-830-6508 or by email at meadan@danburyu.k12.ct.us.