When we think of ‘art’ we often don’t think of how literacy is a natural part of children’s exploration in art.  Anne Haas Dyson emphasizes through her study of the link between children’s play, pictures, and print the critical role of art and play in children’s growth as symbol makers, particularly as makers of written symbols.  Drawing is viewed as a literacy activity, because
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At Carrot Seed the children enjoy making special dishes with sand, rocks, sticks, cones, grass; whatever they can find.  Imagination holds no bounds as to what is created… and for what occasions!   Parents are often greeted with a cheerful invitation to come and have some birthday cake or cupcakes, muffins, pizza or spaghetti… many exciting food items are lovingly prepared by the children.
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Artistic processing is at the heart of early childhood art experiences. This week at Carrot Seed children explored paints in the colours of daffodils using watercolour paper whilst enjoying the visual enticement of a fresh bouquet of these spring flowers.       

Powder Paints + Snow + Coffee Filters = Snow Painting!           “I’m making snow!”                     “I’m making a snow pizza!” “I like stirring it up!” “I’m finished now.”      

“Messy art develops important cognitive, social-emotional and multi-sensory skills. Self directed learning with fluid, sensory and tactile art materials is especially important in early childhood and continues to have benefits for older children as well.” Anna Reyner, Early Childhood Art Advocate                       “Messy art lets children discover the emotional pleasures of sensory and tactile play while they learn important lessons of cause and effect
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  M, D and O worked together for quite a number of days – building a wonderful structure under and in our beautiful large cedar tree.  Lots of discussion took place; ideas and suggestions were shared in this ongoing project.  The children had fun planning and helping each other create and discover.     M: “How’s this, O?” handing O a flat board.  O
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  The children enjoy travelling to imaginary destinations at Carrot Seed.  The wooden cars accommodate numerous drivers and passengers and lots of turn taking and discussions are part of the fun.  Here the pumpkin was used to step up to the seats.  Several sand cake were taken along on the journey.

               “Books do not belong in the library or just on the bookshelf at home….They should be under the pillows, stacked by the bed, in every nook and cranny….Books and words need to be as familiar to children as the food they eat, the music they hear, and the art they do.”  Bev Bos “Teachers and parents need to be readers.  Children need
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