Sunset Mark Making: Invitation to Play
Sunset Mark Making: Invitation to Play (Digital Download)
As the day begins to slow, children often notice the things we rush past. The changing colours in the sky. Long shadows stretching across the ground. Gentle movements, quiet conversations and marks that tell the story of their experiences.
Sunset Mark Making is a thoughtfully designed invitation to play that encourages children to explore creativity through meaningful, open ended mark making inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Rather than creating a finished piece of artwork, children are invited to experiment, express themselves and communicate their ideas using a wide range of materials and techniques.
Created for babies, toddlers and preschool children, this resource supports practitioners in recognising the rich learning that develops through purposeful mark making, creativity and child led exploration.
Inside this digital download you will find:
• A detailed overview explaining the purpose and learning behind the invitation• Learning opportunities linked to communication and language, expressive arts and design, physical development and early literacy• Resource suggestions using natural materials, open ended resources and creative media• Differentiation guidance from approximately 9 months to 5 years, with adult role prompts for every developmental stage• Inclusion and accessibility adaptations to ensure every child can participate confidently• Observation prompts, possible next steps and reflective questions to support assessment in the moment• Rich vocabulary linked to colour, texture, light, movement and creative expression, alongside natural adult language prompts• Eight beautifully designed, large format vocabulary flashcards, perfect for creative areas, tuff trays and continuous provision• A realistic example observation to support professional reflection and future planning
Rather than asking children to copy a picture, Sunset Mark Making encourages them to notice, explore and create in their own unique way. Whether they are mixing colours, making sweeping brush strokes, drawing the shapes they can see in the sky or simply enjoying the movement of making marks, every experience becomes an opportunity to develop confidence, creativity and self expression.
Like every resource from The Early Years Edit, this is not an arts and crafts activity or a template to follow. It is a carefully considered, pedagogy led resource that helps practitioners understand the learning beneath children's creativity while nurturing curiosity, communication and a lifelong love of making meaningful marks.
Digital download only. No physical product will be sent.