Process Vs Product Art

What does process art look like?

• there are no step by step instructions
• no sample for children to follow
• there is no right or wrong way to explore and create
• the art is focussed on the experience and on exploration of techniques, tools, and materials
• the art is unique and original 
• the art is entirely the children's own
• the art experience is a child's choice

What Product art looks like?

• children have instructions to follow
• the caregiver/parent created a sample for the children to follow
• there's a right and wrong way to create
• there's a finished product in mind
• the finished art all looks the same
• the children experience frustration
• the caregiver/parent might "fix" mistakes

What learning occurs through process focussed art?

Social and Emotional
children relax, focus, feel successful, and can even express their feelings. 

Language and Literacy
children may choose to discuss their art and add print to it (on their own or by dictating to the caregiver/parent

​Cognitive 
children compare, predict, plan and problem solve

Physical 
children use fine motor skills to paint, write, glue, cut, use clay and make collages

Tips: 

1. approach art like open-ended play. example: provide a variety of materials and see what happens as the child leads the art experience
2. make art a joyful experience. let children use more paint, more colours, and make more and more artwork
3. provide plenty of time for children to carry out their plans and explorations
4. let children come and go from their art at will
5. notice and comment on what you see: look at all the colours you're using
6. offer new and interesting materials
7. play music in the background
8. take art materials outside in natural light
9. let the children choose whether their art goes home or gets added to your "art wall" (belonging wall)
10. remember it's children's art not yours 

Some process art inspiration sourced from Pinterest. 

a few pictures as inspiration. Process art is unlimited when imaginations are allowed to freely wander. Following an emergent curriculum allows the children's interests to guide the tools and materials the caregiver/parent provides. Allow for different interests to be incorporated. (cutting, pasting, painting, drawing, sculpting etc)