They often do the same activity but I differentiate with tools. Here, Finn used a peg to make his snow and Ioan used the end of a paintbrush.

Resources

  • Foam snowman shapes – I had already cut these out.
  • Glue
  • Card
  • White paint
  • Peg
  • Paintbrush

Step 1: They assembled their snowman and stuck them on the card.

Ioan got a bit stressed when Finn started sticking the coal, intended for the mouth, on his snowman’s body. We used it as an opportunity to discuss creativity and that the beauty of art is that there isn’t a right or wrong way to do things. Ioan considered and accepted this.

Step 2: They added the paint. Finn with the end of a peg, and Ioan with the end of a paintbrush.

Step 3: The boys still show tendencies to be ambidextrous. Ioan seems to have settled more on his right hand, but Finn still used both equally, using whichever hand is closest to the task he wants to carry out. I encouraged Finn to use his left had when he asked.

DfES Early Learning Goals (2017)

Physical development

ELG 04 – Moving and handling:

Children show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements. They move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space. They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.

Expressive arts and design

ELG 16 – Exploring and using media and materials:

Children safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.