Collage Making
To develop fine motor skills and creativity through collage using varied materials.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Selects materials with increasing purpose
- Uses scissors with developing skill
- Sticks materials down independently
- Creates personal compositions
Materials
- Varied collage materials (paper, fabric, feathers, buttons)
- Child-safe scissors with different adaptations
- Glue sticks and PVA glue with spreaders
- Collage trays sorted by type or colour
Instructions
Prepare materials attractively in organised trays so children can see and access choices easily. Sort by colour, texture, or type. 'Look at all these different materials you can choose from!'
Teach safe scissor use with clear, consistent language. 'Scissors are for cutting paper, not people or clothes! Hold them like this—thumb in the small hole, fingers in the big hole.'
Let children make choices about what to use and where to put it. Avoid templates or prescribed outcomes. 'What will you put on your collage? You choose!' Value their creative decisions.
Discuss materials as children work. 'You've chosen the sparkly fabric! It feels smooth, doesn't it? And the feather is so soft!' Extend vocabulary through conversation.
Model techniques when children need support. 'Watch how I spread the glue—just a little bit, then press the paper on top. Now you try!' Provide scaffolding, not direction.
Display all collages with equal respect. 'Tell me about your collage. What did you use?' Record their words alongside their work. Avoid asking 'What is it?' which implies art should look like something.