Metal Insets

Age
3-6

Materials

 * 1) 10 geometric shapes in plastic or metal. They each have a frame.
 * 2) Squares of different color papers, which are exactly the same size as the frame.
 * 3) A set of good quality colored pencils.

Presentation
EXERCISE 1:


 * 1) The Directress chooses a simple frame of a curved figure, takes a sheet of inset paper and two different colored pencils.
 * 2) The Directress then invites the child to choose a place to work on the table.
 * 3) She shows the child how to carry the materials to the chosen spot.
 * 4) The Directress sits next to the child, wherever the child has the fullest view, taking into consideration the Directress herself and the child being right or left-handed.
 * 5) Directress places the material in front of the child and then shows how to work with the material.
 * 6) '1st. Stage:'The Directress shows the child how to cover the sheet of inset paper with the frame.
 * 7) She then takes one of the colored pencils, holding it with proper pencil grip and draws slowly around the inside of the frame in an anti-clockwise direction.
 * 8) Then, she invites the child to try tracing the outline of the frame like she did.
 * 9) '2nd. Stage: 'The Directress then shows the child how to fill the inside of the figure with controlled straight lines close together, from left to right or downward from top to bottom side of the outline to the other with the other colored pencil.
 * 10) When the child understands the activity, encourage the child to do the exercise.

Control Of Error
The frame and inset control the figure or design. If the child's parallel lines go beyond the figure the error will be apparent.

Points Of Interest
Children normally find difficulty in the beginning but will improve with practice. Encourage the child to practice often. Pay special attention to the child's writing position and pencil grip to ensure the development of good writing habits. These exercises are presented over a period of time as the child's control of the pencil increases.

Purpose

 * Develop the child's muscles for holding a pencil correctly.
 * Develop control and precision of movement with flexibility.
 * Give the experience in anti-clockwise (counter-clockwise) movements, parallel straight lines when filling shapes, downward and left-to-right strokes.
 * Indirect preparation for art development of pattern and use of color.