The learning theory of Lev Vygotsky, with its emphasis on socially shared
interaction, provides a framework for implementing an integrated approach
to learning. Vygotsky believed that language plays a central role in mental
development. By responding to children’s question and guiding their
research, adults utilizing an integrated curriculum can promote children’s
higher order thinking. Young children often communicate through drawing,
including their scribbling. Vygotsky also believed that both receptive and
expressive language have their origins in the social and cultural
experiences of children. Integrating art into the curriculum fosters
children’s use of symbols to communicate language through expressions in
art.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
underscores the important of the arts in the early childhood curriculum.
“Children have daily opportunities for aesthetic expression and
appreciation through art and music. Children experiment and enjoy various
forms of dramatic play, music and dance. A variety of art media, such as
markers, crayons, paints and clay, are available for creative expression
and representation of ideas and feelings.”

Infants:
Spaghetti Art
– Cook ½ pound of spaghetti and drain. Prepare four Ziploc

bags by adding two tablespoon of vinegar and three drops of food coloring
in each bag. Divide the spaghetti into the four bags. Close the bag and
tape the closure. Give the bags to the infants to shake and squeeze. ( Options) Open the bags and arrange the colored spaghetti
on foil and allow to dry overnight. They can be sprinkled with glitter
while wet to make interesting mobiles. Use clear fishing line to make the
hanger.

Toddlers:
Fruit and Vegetable Prints
– Cut the fruit and vegetables in half and dip them into paint. Have the
toddlers press them on to paper (paper towels or coffee filters are a nice
change) to make a design. Sectioned oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruits
make wonderful wheels with spokes. Use the sections removed from the fruit
to add to a fruit salad to have at snack time with the children.

Preschoolers:
Two Kinds of Playdough
– Easy Playdough: Mix 4 C. flour 1 C. salt and 1 ¾ C.
water and knead about 10 minutes. Model as with clay by using cookie
cutters to make shapes, and make hanging holes by using a toothpick. Dry
the playdough by baking it in a 300 degree oven until it is hard or it can
be air dried for a few days, turning often so as not to grow mold on the
bottom. These shapes can be painted after they are dry.Cooked Playdough: Mix 2 C. flour 1 C. salt and 2 C. water 2T. oil and 4 t. cream of tartar. Add food coloring and
cook over medium heat until soft, ball forms. Knead until soft and smooth.
Store all playdough in a plastic air tight container.

Treat children as the are and they will remain the same.

Treat them as the can and should be and they will become

As they can and should be. (Goethe)