A rainbow of my very own in preschool

I love the book, “A Rainbow of My Own” by Don Freeman and today we enjoyed this book and then I had the opportunity to observe the children making tissue paper rainbows…

 

To make their rainbows, the children started by brushing liquid starch on a sheet of white drawing paper…

I have to say that even though I want to promote letting children do their art any way they wish – I still find myself wanting to give them guidance or advice. I really have to work hard at keeping my ideas on what they should or should not do as they create to myself…

The children then placed tissue paper scraps on top of the liquid starch to create their rainbows. As the children worked on their tissue paper rainbows, I found myself being inspired by their teacher. The teacher was handing out pieces of tissue paper to work with and as she handed out the paper, one child immediately stuck the entire piece of tissue paper to his paper instead of tearing it into small pieces.

My first reaction was to remind the child that he was supposed tear the tissue paper into smaller pieces first but since I was their to observe, not instruct, I waited for the teacher to say something – but she never did!

The other children at the table were tearing their paper and creating their rainbows as I expected them to do. They were making arches and tearing tissue paper into little pieces to attach to each arch. But this little boy continued to add liquid starch on top of the tissue paper pieces and add one large piece of tissue paper on top of the other…

The teacher continued to hand out tissue paper and the children continued to create. Everyone took their time and talked while they created. All the children were focused on creating their very own rainbows. Some were small…

Some were in long straight rows…

Some were large and well arched…

And then there was the one rainbow that really stood out. Because the teacher didn’t interfere with his choice of how to make the rainbow – he ended up with a wonderful and colorful rainbow collage

And yes, he put that entire piece of purple tissue paper across the very top! I so wanted to stop him or say something but it was his rainbow! Then I realized that it was actually quite lovely. It was original, expressive, personal, and made with purposeful decision making. He certainly was aware that the other children were tearing the tissue paper. He was aware that the other children had made one arch of the rainbow at a time but he had his own plan and stuck with it…

I thought about this rainbow after I left for the day and was thankful that I kept my opinions to myself. I was glad that I did not say “You need to tear that paper into smaller pieces!”

I was impressed that the teacher never blinked an eye as this child created his rainbow. Instead, the teacher let each child create a rainbow in his or her own unique way…

Rainbow books available on Amazon…

     

  

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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