Collaborative Art Projects
To develop collaborative skills through large-scale art projects.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Works collaboratively with peers
- Shares ideas and materials
- Contributes to group artwork
- Respects others' contributions
Materials
- Large-scale materials (big paper, fabric)
- Varied art resources
- Display space for finished work
- Planning resources
Instructions
Introduce the project with excitement. 'We're going to create a huge mural of the rainforest for our wall! It will be so big that everyone will contribute to it.' Generate enthusiasm.
Plan together. 'What should be in our rainforest? Animals! Trees! Flowers! Rain! Let's draw a plan. Who wants to work on which part?' Involve children in decision-making.
Teach children to work alongside others. 'Jasmine is painting the parrot. Max, you could paint some leaves next to it. How will your bits fit together?' Support collaboration.
Manage contributions fairly. 'Everyone will have a turn to add something. Remember, this is our art, not just one person's.' Ensure all children contribute.
Discuss challenges as they arise. 'The paint is going over someone else's bit—how can we solve this? Maybe we need to wait for it to dry first.' Model problem-solving.
Celebrate the finished work prominently. 'Look at our rainforest! Every single person helped to create this! It's beautiful because we all worked together.' Display where all can see.