Some may believe the art center to be a luxury in the early learning classroom. Not so! It is a necessity! One art center project that has numerous benefits is an activity I call Construct. Not only is this activity a great way to practice and master the Geometry Standards of the Common Core, it can benefit the child in many other ways.

As children are allowed to create products from part to whole they are allowed the freedom to experiment with the properties of geometry as well as practice analyzing, comparing, creating, and composing. As they do, they are building visual imaging skills that will increase cognition and develop spatial reasoning. Other benefits include: Fostering the ability to take risks, allowing for problem solving, creating opportunity for intrinsic reward, building concentration, fostering creativity, and developing fine motor skills.

The photos are a couple of our construct projects. These projects
are created by the child’s own imagination, looking at illustrations, real objects, studying finished products, watching other student’s creations in development, and/or looking at real photographs. So, what are you waiting for? Get out the construction paper and allow your students to enjoy that luxurious art center!

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Kathy Crane

Kathy Crane holds a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Reading, is a published author of thirteen books, a freelance author and developer of teaching curriculum, has been a teacher of kindergarten for twenty-two years, and publishes the blog Kindergarten Kiosk