Art Sparks

Art Sparks is an early learning art program delivered as an incursion by Museum educators. The program includes 8 sessions that build interest, confidence and familiarity in art making. Art Sparks reimagines the Museum’s ‘tour and studio’ learning session in an off-site context, bringing hands-on art experiences to children in the classroom.

Each 30-minute session focuses on a different medium and a theme through drawing, painting, collage, printing and sculpture. The sessions begin with a group warm-up activity to introduce a theme through dance and movement, a scavenger hunt, or a discussion about objects to act as stimulus.

The themes and objects link to everyday experiences in the world that are familiar to participants, allowing them to associate and respond creatively. Concepts include textures, the natural environment, insects, nocturnal creatures, native local animals in art, fruit and vegetables as art materials and body movements.

The sessions have been designed in consultation with early learning educators to include hands-on sensory experiences, relevant concepts informed by our local surroundings and age-appropriate activities.

MAMA aims and objectives:

• Providing opportunities for children to engage in hands-on art activities that inspire enjoyment, imagination and creativity
• Celebration of individual expression and experimentation
• Familiarity with art activities in groups and as individuals
• Encourage focus of attention, strengthen hand-eye coordination, verbal and visual communication skills
• Promote self-confidence.

Curriculum links

Early Years Learning NSW Government

Learning outcome 4: Creativity, imagination, reflexivity and connection.
Inspire curiosity, imagination and creativity. Children develop confidence, problem solving, creative thinking and experimentation skills to make sense of and explore the world in different ways. We use open ended questioning when children are engaged in the arts, offering an opportunity for children to experience wonder and ‘what could be’. We begin to take delight in the creativity and work of others.

Belonging, Being, Becoming
The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia

1. Children have a strong sense of identity
2. Children are connected with and contribute to their world
3. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
4. Children are confident and involved learners

• Engage in creative experiences such as art, dance and drama
• Use a range of media to express their ideas through the arts, e.g. clay, drawing, paint, digital technologies.

1. Children are effective communicators

• Use language and representations from play, music and art to share and project meaning.
• Use materials to create art works (e.g. drawing, painting, sculpture, drama, dance, movement, music and storytelling) to express ideas and make meaning.
• Draw on their experiences in constructing meaning using symbols
• Use mark-making and drawing as symbols of communication.