Author: Dr. Gai Lindsay

My PhD explored the visual arts beliefs and pedagogy of early childhood educators. Before entering academia, I worked as a preschool teacher, director and early childhood consultant for 23 years. I currently lecture in the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years at the University of Wollongong.

“Who am I in the artistic lives and learning of children?” Exploring and expressing the arts identity of pre-service early childhood teachers

By Dr Gai Lindsay With thanks to EYCA301 Early Years students, School of Education, UOW. My research and teaching focus on the visual arts identity, self-efficacy beliefs and knowledge of early childhood educators. Indeed, my research and practice suggest that it is not unusual to hear early childhood professionals (and the broader population) announce that … Continue reading “Who am I in the artistic lives and learning of children?” Exploring and expressing the arts identity of pre-service early childhood teachers →

Pandemic Arts Inspirations: resources and ideas for early childhood visual arts

By Dr Gai Lindsay (Lecturer, The Early Years, UOW, Australia) During this time of COVID-19 restrictions and physical distancing the importance of the arts in people’s lives has been highly evident. We have listened to music and watched movies. We have danced, sung and played music on balconies and in driveways. Personally, I have done … Continue reading Pandemic Arts Inspirations: resources and ideas for early childhood visual arts →

Shared musings: Colouring-in, templates and worksheets in early childhood settings

By Dr. Gai Lindsay (with excerpts from a bunch of fabulous early childhood practitioners, academics and colleagues - included with permission). This blog aims to expand reflection and contribute to the ongoing discussion about the choices early childhood professional make in relation to stencils, colouring-in and worksheets. I will firstly share excerpts from a professional … Continue reading Shared musings: Colouring-in, templates and worksheets in early childhood settings →

Quality visual arts learning experiences for babies and toddlers: The inspiring power of a book .

by Dr. Gai Lindsay, and featuring "The Power of a Book" documentation by Gabriela Gomez de Torres and Denise Savins (Saigon Kids, Vietnam). It brings me great joy to share this blog post with you. It honours the capacities of very young children to engage meaningfully in arts-focused projects of inquiry by sharing the documentation … Continue reading Quality visual arts learning experiences for babies and toddlers: The inspiring power of a book . →

The myth of mess: Thinking about messy visual arts experiences

This article was recently published in KU Professional Learning Quarterly (April 2019 edition). The text of the article is reproduced here with permission from KU Children's Services. You can subscribe to and access issues of KU Quarterly online HERE. Messy art Do you love messy art making with children? When you see social media images … Continue reading The myth of mess: Thinking about messy visual arts experiences →

A New Mindset: Building confidence to make and teach art.

by Catherine Schwarz (Educational Leader / Teacher - One World for Children, Geelong, Victoria) and Dr. Gai Lindsay (University of Wollongong). Introduction Do you think you're artistic? Do you feel confident to support children's visual arts learning in early childhood settings? When it comes to planning visual arts learning experiences do you draw upon your … Continue reading A New Mindset: Building confidence to make and teach art. →

Christmas arts and crafts: Tis the season to be jolly…..and the season to celebrate the capable child.

by Dr. Gai Lindsay (Lecturer, B.Ed - The early Years, This blog post provokes reflection about the rights of the child to offer alternatives to close-ended and limiting Christmas activities and gifts. The article provides a selection of ideas for quality Christmas visual arts and crafts learning experiences that don't compromise quality relationships with and … Continue reading Christmas arts and crafts: Tis the season to be jolly…..and the season to celebrate the capable child. →