Exploring the Arts Thursday

In one of our visual arts activities, the children learned about the artist Michelangelo.  They learned that he was a sculptor and a painter.  We talked about how it took him four years to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling and how he had to paint it while lying on his back.  The children then got to paint their own creations while lying on their backs.  This activity was aligned with the following Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards: 

• Physical Development and Health

  • 19.A.ECa:  Engage in active play using fine-motor skills.

• Fine Arts

  • 25.A.ECd:  Participate in the visual arts.
  • 25.B.ECa:  Describe or respond to their own creative work or the creative work of others.
  • 26.B.ECa:  Use creative arts as an avenue for self-expression.

In the context of Reggio's 100 Languages of Children, this acitvity explored the language of painting.