Collage allows children to get sticky and creative with a wide range of materials. Many people believe collage is only for young children, but it is also greatly respected in the art world.
As a visual arts technique, collage means combining different images to create a new image that conveys a message or idea. This aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework's learning outcome: children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media (5.3).
The EYLF also asks children to use imagination and creativity (4.1), experiment, (4.2) and connect with natural materials and processed materials (4.4).
Learning experiences
Tear paper
Children can create their own collage pieces while developing their fine motor skills, by tearing up sheets of paper. The small pieces of torn paper can then be glued down. Try building up layers, like in paper mache.
Get surreal
Create your own surreal artworks using collage. Pictures can be cut out of old magazines and picture books and then stuck down to make a new image.
- Introduce children to the artists Anna Bu Kliewer and Jazz Grant.
- Talk about their artworks. How were they created? Which ones do you like?
- Provide children with collage materials so they can make their own surreal images.
Make a nature collage
- Read any book by the Australian author Jeannie Baker. All of her illustrations were made using collage with an emphasis on natural materials.
- Examine the illustrations with your children.
- Collect natural items from your garden.
- Make your own nature collages that tell a story.
Try new collage techniques
- Experiment with materials: magazines, old books, toy catalogues, fabric scraps, buttons and beads, string, grass, feathers, and plastic packaging.
- Leave some parts unstuck. Children can make flaps or their own pop-up books.
- Paste collage pieces in lines or patterns.
- Overlap or layer collage pieces.
- Scrunch, crumple or fold paper before pasting it down.
- Weave paper or dried grasses before sticking it down.
- Children can cut out pieces from their old paintings or drawings.
Interactions
Sit alongside children as they create a collage. Ask them about their thoughts and feelings about their artwork.
Be open-minded about children's collage. Traditionally, collage has been a teacher-directed early learning activity. Teachers would cut out the collage pieces themselves and assist children with pasting them on in a predetermined arrangement.
Collage is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their cutting skills, even if they have never held scissors before. Glue is a sensory experience that is goopy and intriguing. There is a good chance that children will get tiny pieces of paper stuck to themselves and none on their artwork - and this is completely okay!