Ann Lewin-Benham: Infants & Toddlers at Work – Using Reggio-Inspired Materials to Support Brain Development
Posted: July 29, 2011 Filed under: Art & Healing, Child Centered Activities, Gallery - Quotes 2 CommentsMark-Making
Mark-making triggers brain functions that merge eye, hand, and other networks of neurons, enlarging the ability to focus, sustain attention, plan, analyze, and other high-level cognitive functions that are important components of critical thinking. Often fat markers and crayons are the only tools provided for infants and toddlers. Yet, mark-making is an imperative as strong as movement and language. Therefore it warrants an equal abundance of materials that are varied, provocative, and challenging. It merits the same emphasis as blocks, paint, clay, and other staples of infant/toddler programs. And mark-making exemplifies the trove of ideas that can be sparked and skill that can be acquired when a fertile context nurtures an innate human imperative.
an Art Farm 
wow! that’s not a relation is it? benham? this fascinates me. what are the mark makers she would provide? so powerful….
HI Barb and thanks for your feedback. Ms. Benham has laundry list of materials one could consider using – everything from artist’s clay (which will hold marks better than playdough) to chalks, charcoal, and tempera paints. She also places great importance on the preparation of the environment and the acute observations of the facilitator to support infant/toddler’s safe exploration. I highly recommend this book!