I am a very lucky teacher.   I LOVE my job!

Here are a few kinders mixing colors at our paint center.  It really is amazing to see them explore the paint, develop their own "recipes", teach others and be inspired by the colors they created.  They are learning and working like artists.  I once had a parent tell me that nothing educational happens in the art room.  I wish she could see the self directed learning these kids do. 

They start with their own ideas, explore the materials and create something.  Sometimes it looks like an 8 year old made it ... which is actually a good thing, especially when an 8 year old made it! Art created by children looks very different than art created by children directed by an adult.   Being able to develop and explore an idea or material is sophisticated work.

"What will become of these children when there is no art-guide to lay out the materials, provide inspiration, shore-up motivation and list the required steps toward success?" (p. 12, CHOICE WITHOUT CHAOS)  In my opinion, they will simply stop making anything.