After sharing this story, our class got to work painting on long paper in the hallway. Contributing to an art piece with other students interactively, invites children to create a story together by incorporating their own ideas with those of others. It was enjoyable watching them paint collectively within and around each other’s images. Working “large” while painting on the wall creates new opportunities and challenges that are not presented when seated at a table looking over a smaller work space. The children were invited to think spatially and “move” within their piece. Also, painting on a wall or (easel) requires children to use the strength in their shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers in different ways than when they paint while seated at a table.
Indeed, the sky is not always blue. Everyone is an artist and we all bring our own talents and perspective. Respecting the contributions of everyone and using our imaginations to choose colours different from the selections of others are ideas to celebrate.