Glue is often recognized as a way to stick or attach items and materials together or to something. We have observed through various art activities involving white liquid glue, that our preschoolers see the glue as a learning medium all on its own. They often use the glue to fill containers, cover spaces, mix with colours, paint their hands, implement it in their pretend play, or pour and transport it in creative and imaginative ways. Rather than instruct the children on the “proper” use of glue, we have allowed them to explore the properties of the glue in their own ways in our classroom. Instead of focusing on the end products of their work with the art materials, we observe their ideas and intentions with the glue and scaffold on the abundance of learning opportunities that inevitably unfold.
One day, we set up an art table with lots of liquid glue, along with loose parts such as popsicle sticks, buttons, and wooden shapes. We set out some paper in case the children wanted to stick the items onto it, but we knew very well the direction that our preschoolers would want to take this experience, so we also set out some art trays for them to utilize. The preschoolers got right to work, squeezing the glue out onto their papers and into the trays, and it wasn’t long before they were coming up with unique and innovative ways and ideas to use the glue in their learning and play. They gathered materials from around the classroom such as cups, bowls, buckets, ice cube trays, cars, paint rollers, baskets, and even building blocks, to incorporate into their play and help carry out their individual and group investigations. A small group of children transported the glue over to one of the shelves, and the area quickly transformed into a kitchen, a construction site, and a scientific lab. The original art table was now empty as the children collaborated with the glue around the shelf, exploring concepts such as volume, motion, velocity, gravity, force, texture, stickiness, colour, and more.
We observed opportunities for teamwork, communication, problem solving, concentration, creative thinking, resourcefulness, fine motor skills, and hand eye coordination. Our favourite part was noticing the joy, satisfaction, autonomy, confidence, and engagement that the children demonstrated as they freely explored their natural curiosities and wonders. The way that they eagerly held up their empty squeeze bottles and containers and requested “more glue”, put a smile on our faces and inspired us to dive deeper into each child’s glue mission.
