Paper Collages
Paper Collages
Paper Collages
Location: indoor or outdoor
Materials: paper, scissors, glue
Inspired by Henri Matisse's paper cutouts, this is a great activity for a mixed age environment.
If you want to be true to Matisse's own process, invite your children to paint pieces of paper first. This turns it into a multi-day project while you wait for the paper to dry. For a shorter project, you can use construction paper.
Show children examples of Matisse's paper cutouts and invite them to make one of their own.
You can provide some pre-cut shapes, and also invite children to cut out their own if they choose.
Mixed-Age Guide:
Mixed-Age Guide:
Infants may:
- enjoy using cut out pieces of felt instead of paper, these can be arranged again and again and again and are more durable than paper
- want to observe other children working on this project
Toddlers may:
- benefit from using glue that is in small cups with paint brushes instead of glue sticks
- benefit from having pieces pre-cut
- benefit from using contact paper instead of paper and glue
- want to rip paper
Preschoolers may:
- be able to use glue sticks independently, but may benefit from using glue that is in small cups with paint brushes instead
- need support in using scissors
What We're Learning
What We're Learning
- self-expression and creativity
- hand-eye coordination
- pre-writing skills and hand strength