Creative, engaging, everlasting art projects can be challenging to find in a preschool classroom. This create-a-block class set is the perfect answer!
Supplies Needed for Create-A-Block Art:
- Create-A-Block Class Set
- Kwik Stix tempera paint sticks
- Vinyl Letters or a Sharpie marker
Process Art – Some Considerations
Preschool-aged children love creating masterpieces, but often what they make ends up as a stack of papers going home with no real purpose. And while a 4-year-old deems everything they do to be worthy of display in the Louvre, the reality is that’s not always the case.
When thinking of a process art project for a preschool class, there are a few things to consider.
- What is the purpose of the final project?
- Can this project teach multiple skills and objectives?
- Will this go on display or go home in a backpack or folder?
- What investments of time and money does this project require?
- Is it age-appropriate?
The Create-A-Block class set from Constructive Playthings helps answer these questions by offering:
- Sneak in some extra name practice by writing each child’s name on their block. Not only will this help with emergent reading, but students will be more likely to show ownership over the project and take care of the materials.
- Students practice fine motor skills, creative thinking, and engineering.
- The final project can be used in the block center for the entire year.
- At only about $2 per block, this project is something that will stand up against the toughest of builders.
- Creativity abounds with this independent project no matter the skill level of the students.
These blocks are a creative way to have something usable within the classroom for the entire year.
How to Prepare the Create-A-Blocks
The Create-a-Blocks ship as a flat piece of cardboard and require assembly. Before starting, there are a few steps to take to ensure a smooth project.
- Fold and assemble the blocks. This can be tricky at first. Try to be patient and follow the process shown here. Once assembled, the blocks are super sturdy and can hold up to 180 pounds!
- Model and practice using the paint sticks. These sticks are incredible! While they look like a glue stick, they are the consistency of lipstick and produce bright, vibrant colors. The paint goes on smoothly without a lot of pressure. It also dries almost immediately. Gone are the days of paint all over the place!
Create-A-Block Project
After assembling the blocks and a brief practice session with the paint sticks, the fun begins! This project is a favorite. It allows the students to be creative and make something that the class can use in the classroom for the entire year. It’s always great when a process art project that turns into something.
Process art, like the create-a-block, provides students with so many opportunities to learn and grow. The process is:
- where the learning is!
- students practice fine motor skills
- creative juices flow and students practice independence
We Painted the Blocks…Now What?
Once the students decide that their masterpieces are complete, the teacher can immediately place the blocks into the classroom, or they can be taken up a notch. Applying names on each block allows students to recognize their names and take ownership of their piece of art. *Be sure to mark the students’ initials on the box when they complete them, so they don’t get mixed up!
The Silhouette Cameo or similar machines are a great way to create name stickers that stand up to a year’s worth of playing. Simply print, cut, and apply the vinyl names to each box. The Silhouette is an excellent investment or a great idea to split the cost and share with another teacher. Alternatively, the teacher can use a fat permanent marker to write the students’ names on each box. Any chance to incorporate name practice in the day is a win.
No matter how students decorate the blocks, if names are added to each one, or if they are simply used as an opportunity to create a really neat art project, the Create-A-Block set is sure to please.
Have fun playing and learning with your kids!
More Information About Blocks in the Classroom
- Facebook Live video about the Create-A-Block Class Set
- Ten Things Children Learn From Block Play
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