Process versus Product

Paper Plate Projects
Which one shows the child's creativity? Which one was more FUN to make?
(Thank you to PreK and K Sharing)

Outside the Lines Young Artists' Studio is all about process. I try very hard to remember that if I'm doing my job right, many pieces created will not be frame or even refrigerator worthy in an adult's eyes. Often, more is learned by making a 'mess' than by making a giraffe. I say "I try very hard" because it is not easy to get a clear picture of the childhood experience through grown up eyes. You have to let some expectations go, remembering that kids, especially the very young, don't have any expectations at all. 

I ran across this blog entry at PreK and K Sharing that explains the process/product conundrum very well. It's where I got the paper plate image above and I hope you'll click through and read the article. You have to scroll down a bit and there's some "teacher speak" to wade through, but it is a nice explanation of why I do what I do.