Don't Move the Muffin Tins: A Hands-Off Guide to Art for the Young Child

by Bev Bos

A book of art projects for young children

Genres: Parenting, Education, Art, Nonfiction, Reference

88 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1978

Reviews

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Move the Muffin Tin has an approach to art projects that I very much appreciate: hands-off. So you give the kids the materials, and you let them go. It's hard to find projects in this vein. I have grown more and more frustrated with seeing that the vast majority of preschool-aged projects you can find online or in books require heavy adult involvement. Preschoolers aren't as capable as grade-schoolers, but they can and should do things on their own. No, they can't always make cutesy little art projects, but who cares? Merely telling them to do a prescribed set of things so you can cut and twist and glue something into something you can photograph for a blog is pointless. You're not teaching them anything.

Ao that's why I like this book. There's not that much that's unique in here, but there are a few projects I'd never seen or thought of. And the principle behind the work is satisfying for me, anyway. Let kids learn by doing, even if what they're doing isn't as pretty as you want it to be.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is technically for educators, it offers really great basic art education philosophy and projects that can be applied at home. I didn't pay too close attention to the room layout parts but more to the advice on how to inspire children to make art, how to not get overly involved and how to set boundaries with the kids so it's not just chaos.

The book was written in the 70s, before the child-led education model was trendy and the tone is fun and non-judgemental even though a lot of these projects are all over pinterest now, there are still a few fresh ideas and interesting takes on old favorites.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in my preschool teaching days, this series of books was the most helpful and insightful and a constant reference for my programs. Later, when I had a child of my own, I found myself constantly referring back to the wonderful lessons taught by Miss Bev.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great little book. I really liked the hands-off philosophy and the art ideas. The intended audience is mostly for pre-school and Kindergarden teachers, but moms can use these ideas just as well, which is what I plan on doing.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for early childhood educators. These projects are what kindergarten is supposed to look like, and what will hopefully be brought back once we shake the insanity of rigorously preparing for college and career in kindergarten!

[Lesley Potts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book kept popping up as recommended reading in one of my Art Teaching fb group. Turns out I’m already doing it the way Bev Bos does. We play with stuff and get messy. We draw a lot in different media. We don’t do Pinteresty crafts.

[Melissa Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was helpful reminder to me that child led art should be the focus. I hate arts and crafts, but am attempting preschool for my 2,3,and 5 year old amid the pandemic so a book on art for 2-5 year olds was a great fit. Her ideas feel accessible for amateur teachers like me.

[Roxcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick easy read. I would recommend it to anyone with children or anyone who wants to be a really cool Aunt/Uncle. : )

[Janet Bunce · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent! it's art for children..not adults. I need to have this book handy this school year!

[Beatrice Mabrey-Robeson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handy resource

Author provides a series of simple, easy to adopt projects to foster creativity and a love of art in children. I could have used some additional information on applying them in a household setting, but overall it was informative.

[Lindsay Evermore]

Available at Woodbridge Library.