Exploring the world through children’s eyes

Chintha Keerthana

As an early childhood educator, I have observed a profound difference between how children and adults perceive the world around them. This difference became evident in the course of doing a simple activity with my PP2 class, where children were asked to create collages using leaves. Their responses and artworks not only revealed unique perspectives but also taught me the importance of interpreting creativity through their eyes.

Activity overview

The activity required each child to collect leaves and create a collage based on some reference images I provided. These references served as a guide but left room for individual expression. As I moved around the classroom, I struggled to make sense of their creations. However, when I asked the children to describe their artwork, I was met with fascinating narratives. One child described their collage as a pooja thali, inspired by their family’s rituals. Another said they had made a laddu to share with friends. A third child created a scene of a boat sailing in the sea, while another depicted a road.

Insights and observations

Reflecting on this, I realized that my adult mind was filtering these images through my own lens of meaning and order, while the children were communicating personal and imaginative worlds. My co-teachers also found it challenging to interpret the children’s artwork, confirming that this was not unique to me.

I learned that children’s art is less about recognizable forms and more about self-expression. This aligns with the philosophy of the Reggio Emilia approach: “The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.”

This experience taught me a significant lesson: children’s artwork isn’t about producing something recognizable; it’s about self-expression and storytelling from their own worldviews.

A deeper look: abstract drawings and symbolism

A few days after the collage activity, a child began drawing random patterns and presented them to me as gifts. These drawings, though abstract, held deep meaning for the child, as I discovered later when she explained one of her paintings: red symbolized a garden, yellow represented flowers, and the white area represented a rose, which she explained was a gift for me, symbolizing her affection. Her narrative brought the abstract art to life in a way that was deeply personal to her, teaching me that children’s art is often a symbolic representation of their experiences, desires, and affection.

Children’s artwork is not simply a mirror of their environment but a window into their thoughts and feelings.

Why it’s important for adults to respect children’s perspectives

Recognizing and valuing children’s perspectives allows adults to foster deeper connections, essential for meaningful growth and development. Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia approach states that, “Children have a hundred languages, and a hundred more to think, to play, to speak… but they are robbed.” This reminds us that adults must honour children’s diverse ways of expressing themselves.

Furthermore, researchers Dockett and Perry (2005) emphasize that “Listening to children’s perspectives promotes a shared understanding, which is key to building trust and meaningful relationships.” When educators and parents appreciate children’s unique viewpoints, it encourages open communication, nurturing both emotional and intellectual confidence.

This respect also promotes creativity, helping children feel safe to express themselves without the fear of judgment. By embracing children’s ideas, adults model empathy, fostering a learning environment where imaginations and interpretations are valued, respected, and understood.

The importance of open interpretation

These experiences illustrate the importance of allowing children the freedom to express themselves creatively without adult expectations of concrete forms. What may look abstract or nonsensical to us holds meaning and intention for them. I realized that as educators, it’s crucial to approach children’s artwork with curiosity rather than judgment, asking open-ended questions and inviting them to share their stories.

Conclusion

Children’s artwork provides a window into their world, their family, and their imagination. The difference in perception between adults and children isn’t a gap to be closed but an opportunity to learn and appreciate their unique perspectives. As educators, embracing this difference allows us to foster a nurturing environment, where children feel valued, understood, and encouraged to express their world without the limitations of adult expectations.

Chintha Keerthana is an Early Childhood Educator and Teacher Professional Developer for Early Years at AIMEE International School, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Passionate about fostering young learners’ growth, she also supports educators in enhancing classroom practices for a meaningful and engaging learning experience. She can be reached at keerthanach027@gmail.com.