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Case study: the power of communication

Many settings working with the nought-to-three age range do not believe painting is appropriate for the children in their care. Not so the Old School House in Cambridgeshire. Here they set up a wide range of opportunities for all their charges to experience creating 'art'. The excitement that creating their own art and seeing the artwork of others evoked in the Old School House children is something which easily could be generated in other nurseries.

The excitement that creating their own art and seeing the artwork of others evoked in the Old School House children is something which easily could be generated in other nurseries.

One simple and popular experience set up for the babies and toddlers in the Old School House reaps huge benefits. A large sheet of plastic or cardboard is rolled out on the floor. The babies are stripped down to their nappies, so they are not attempting to touch and feel through clothes. Staff place large spots of paint or shallow trays around the sheeting. Then the babies who have shown previous interest in tactile sensation with paint are invited to explore the 'canvas'. The babies are placed near to or on the sheeting and allowed to go to the paint when they are ready. They are also encouraged to stay seated so that they do not slip.

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