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Figure 17. Splat, splat like Jackson Pollack.
At the water table Felicia asks a child “what is your thinking?” as he connects
funnels and tubes. She moves throughout the classroom encouraging the children to
critically reflect on their play and work. When snack is provided the children serve
themselves, taking the portions they require, and pouring their own juice. After snack and
time on the carpet for a meeting, one child notices paper being taped to the bottom of the
table. “Oh my gosh!” she exclaims. “We are going to paint on the ceiling” substantiating
the child’s prior knowledge of the works of Michelangelo.
Felicia reminds the children that she “wants to see everyone’s eyes.” She suggests
to a one child that “I don’t think that is a great spot, what should you do?” Instead of
becoming the enforcer of form and structure, legs crossed, arms folded, she is
empowering the children to find their own positions. Felicia displays a framed print and
asks the children if they can tell her who the artist is. As a prompt Felecia states, “the
sunflowers in this artist’s work are in this same colour.” A child responds, “Vincent Van
Gogh” and Felicia suggests that the child to “give yourself a pat on the back.” Felicia