Material variety is integral to open-ended art activities; while there are no rules guiding the infant's selection of specific materials, choices made available should meet the guidelines set by the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS-R). The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale recommends infants be presented with three to five material choices. These choices are selected from four of five material categories that include tools, collage materials, three-dimensional materials, paint materials and drawing materials.
Materials should not only offer variety but should also work to stimulate the infant’s five senses. For this reason, materials should be chosen that are suitable to motor skill levels. For example, infants are unable to use art tools such as scissors and paintbrushes and should therefore be encouraged to make unlimited use of their hands in working with the other material categories. Collage materials such as large craft foam or paper shapes in bright primary colors can become the basis for infant activities. Uncut drawing and construction paper also work well for drawing and painting projects. Modeling clay is a non-toxic three-dimensional material. Finger paints and large crayons fulfill the need for paint or drawing material during open-ended activities.
Since open-ended art activities are concentrated on choice rather than directive, parents and caretakers play a minimal role in execution but a strong supportive role. Participation should follow the desires of the child, concentrating on allowing the infant the benefit of an individual learning experience. Encouragement is important but should show interest in each activity but without trying to define or structure the child’s actions. For example, if the infant is using finger paints to create a picture parents and caretakers can encourage and facilitate verbal skills by asking the child “What are you painting?” instead of asking “Is that a bunny?” While the infant’s verbal skills may yet be undeveloped, such questions can encourage contemplation rather than stark perceptions.
Open-ended art activities have strong implications in the emotional, social, cognitive, creative and physical development of a child. Emotionally, these activities encourage feelings of control and skill while socially they provide infants with an opportunity to interact either with other children or adult caretakers. Activities can also help internalize a sense of creativity and self-reliance. The implications for physical and cognitive development are equally important, setting the groundwork for later development. Through open-ended activities, infants learn about cause and effect, communication, and the properties of physical materials. Physically they are able to develop muscle strength and dexterity as well as eye-hand coordination.