Child Development Through Plastic Expression: Stages, Elements, and Evaluation
ITEM 22: Plastic Expressions in Child Development
Understanding the Evolution of Plastic Expression
Knowing the evolution of plastic expression (PE) in children is crucial for educators to assess their expressive level, relate it to their psychic and cognitive development, and design a curriculum aligned with developmental goals. This involves detecting visual, motor, spatial, and emotional problems and understanding the governing principles of child development, such as cephalocaudal, proximodistal, and vertical-horizontal progression.
Types of Strokes and Oculo-Manual Coordination
Children experiment with various strokes, developing muscle control and progressing from simple to complex drawings. Oculo-manual coordination is acquired, and spatial concepts are gradually understood.
Stages of Plastic Expression
1. Scribbling Stage (2-4 years)
- Messy Scribble: No representational purpose, enjoyment of movement.
- Controlled Scribble: Increased coordination, naming of scribbles.
2. Pre-Schematic Stage (4-7 years)
- Focus on design and personal meaning.
- Repetitive, stereotypical diagrams.
- Meaningful drawings with isolated representations.
- Rudimentary attempts to combine objects and people.
Basic Elements of Plastic Language
Color
- Initial preference for wavelengths (2 years).
- Emotional criteria for color choice (3 years).
- Use of characteristic colors by age 6.
Shape and Volume
- Forms represent meaningful objects.
- Evolution similar to drawing development.
- Manipulation of materials to create forms.
- Naming of forms.
- Elaboration of scenes.
Elements of Progression in Plastic Expression Education
Objectives
- Read, interpret, and produce images.
- Appreciate own and others’ productions.
- Use diverse forms of representation and expression.
- Utilize various techniques and resources.
Content
- Exploration of forms and materials.
- Creation of collages.
- Concept activities: painting, modeling, 3D constructions.
Methodological Strategies
Classroom Organization
- Flexible lighting and space.
- Areas for display and work.
- Individual folders for each child.
- Easy-to-clean surfaces.
- Protective clothing.
- Attractive and organized presentation of materials.
Motivation and Learning Experiences
- Exploration, games, drama, music.
- Free use of materials.
- Demonstrations.
- Non-interference in children’s creations.
- Offering help and guidance.
- Self-evaluation.
- Avoidance of copying and repetition.
- Respect for individual rhythms.
- Age-appropriate tasks.
Evaluation of Plastic Expression
- Focus on process, environment, and techniques.
- Consideration of developmental stage.
- Objective and systematic assessment.
- Evaluation of attitudes, skills, creativity, and habits.
Models and Stereotypes
Plastic expression should overcome the limitations of stereotypes and models. Imposing models on children hinders their creativity and self-expression. Schools should avoid practices such as copying models, coloring pictures, imposing themes, excessive praise, comparisons, and stereotypical representations.