traditional collages, where children stick items to a background of paper or card, are a popular way of introducing a range of tactile materials into children's artwork. These pictures can be kept for posterity. But how about ringing the changes occasionally? There's no need to settle for small scale when you make a loose-leaf collage - in fact, the bigger the better!
The size of a sheet of paper is always limiting. But if materials aren't going to be stuck down, then huge expanses of space can temporarily take the place of paper, becoming an alternative collage background. A section of your play space floor, or perhaps even the whole playground (on a fine day), is ideal.
With so much space to play with, the range of materials that can be used for artistic purposes widens too. For instance, the scraps of fabric often used in traditional collages can be replaced with long lengths of material, used whole. Meanwhile, small coils of string can be replaced with whole balls or even thick cord. Rolls of silver foil can be shaped in place of small shiny sequins and glitter.
Real three-dimensional artefacts can be included when the scale is flexible, and they can simply be removed after use. These can bring a whole collage to life. The opportunity to view familiar objects in new and artistic ways is another benefit of working on such a large scale.
For instance, a group of children at my club decided to depict a sports scene in loose-leaf collage, using the playground as a background. They made their sports people from all sorts of materials, while they emptied out our club sports bag for the equipment. They used real hockey sticks, balls, cones and skipping ropes, and they were very satisfied with the end result.
The collage became a huge collaboration, with children working individually and in groups to create their own contributions. It was also a real work in progress. As children decided their people had 'finished playing that sport', they simply gave them something else to do! One girl remarked, 'It's just like playing with fuzzy-felt, but better because the bits are real.' Many children were keen to take their parents outside to see their work of art at the end of the day.
You will need:
* A clear area of floor space (see below)
* Scrap materials and real artefacts
* Scissors
* Sticky tape/glue
* Mark-making materials
* Camera (optional)
What to do:
1 Select a floor space. It is a good idea to mark off the designated background area. This can be done with chalk, or if you're working on carpet, by making a border from string. Even if the floor of a whole room is available, children will need to reserve some space for the preparation of their materials. If working outside, even on a fine day, some items will need to be weighted down.
2 Children plan a scene to create together (they may like to sketch it out). Something with bold, simple features is ideal - a seaside picture, perhaps, including sand, sea, a boat and so on.
3 Children then mark out their features in chalk or string. This can be done simply to indicate where each feature will be, or children can use the marks and outline to fill in with their chosen material (just like when they make an outline with a pencil and then colour it in when they are drawing).
4 Children plan what they can use to make each feature, and collect it together, considering colour and texture - for example, blue fabric for the sea, white tissue paper scrunched into shape for the gulls. A previous trip to a scrap store is advisable. Children may like to 'make' some features first (for example, a kite to place in the sky), using the joining and mark-making materials. Card and paper come in useful here as a resource rather than a background.
5 Children assemble their picture. Allow plenty of time, as this often absorbs groups for extended periods, making it an ideal holiday activity.
Consider making the project 'a work in progress', perhaps giving children the opportunity to work on it flexibly over the course of a whole day.
6 When the picture is finished, find a good vantage point from which the children can view their work. They may need to stand up high, on a chair or ladder, to get the right perspective.
7 It's a good idea to take some photographs to keep, easing the disappointment when the picture has to be dismantled.
8 Encourage children to experience walking around in their art, interacting and playing within it. (Do take the photos first though - some children feel their work is being 'ruined' by the play otherwise).
Miranda Walker is a playwork trainer who owns Playtime out-of-school club in Cullompton, Devon
