Opinions on First Art by Mary Ann Kohl?

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  • December 21, 2010 at 8:47 pm
    April
    Participant

    Has anyone seen or used this book?  I saw it on a blog I follow…she’s a Montessori teacher but usually has CM friendly activities that she does with her son.  I thought it looked interesting and it’s got great reviews…but you know how that goes sometimes.  Anyway I would apprieciate anyones opinion on it before I order.  Thanks in advance!

    http://www.amazon.com/First-Art-Experiences-Toddlers-Twos/dp/0876592221/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp_T2

    December 21, 2010 at 9:36 pm
    Shawnab
    Participant

    I have owned serveral MA Kohl books, but not this title. I’ve owned “Preschool Art”, “Math Art”, “Science Art”, “Global Art”, and I still own “Discovering Great Artists”.  

    Her art activities are simple, process (not product) oriented, and would probably be quite helpful if I ran a preschool and had to come up with teacher-initiated art experiences on a daily basis. Since I am not a preschool teacher, I found that I really didn’t need the books. My kids don’t really like it when I lead an art activity (they are strange I guess!), but much prefer to have their own materials freely available to do with as they like. Sometimes I’ll sneak and show them a thing or two about how to use their materials, but that’s it.  

    The one exception, for me, is her book “Discovering Great Artists” which have art activities that mimick the styles of famous artists. I have drawn on ideas from this book to incorporate into our Picture Studies.

    My suggestion would be to see if your library might have a copy. You might be able to glean what you need without actually owning it.

    February 1, 2011 at 12:52 am
    TheAttachedMama
    Participant

    I have the book and absolutly LOVE it.  I am a fan of all Mary Ann Kohl books, however this one is one of my favorite.  It is perfect for VERY young children like 1-3 yrs old.  What I like about Mary Ann Kohl is that her books (for the very young) are more process art.  Her theory is that very young kids are less concerned with what they paint vs. how the paint feels and the overall joy in the process.  I think that this is more natural for very young kids.  I think this kind of low stress way of introducing art is wonderful. 

    SO…I just wanted to say that we are on a very tight budget.  And I splurged and purchased this book when my kids were very young and I am so glad that I did. 

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