MOTIFS FROM FAIRYTALES IN THE ARTISTIC EXPRESSION OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

As a wondrous story, the fairy tale is rich in numerous motifs that capture the attention of preschool children. These motifs can be utilised across various educational domains. This paper presents examples of encouraging artistic expression, which is essential during this developmental period. Children respond to the issues of possibilities, roles, and the significance of these magical motifs through their reactions to the selected elements of fairy tales, which they express through artistic activities. The aim of the research is to stimulate children’s artistic expression using motifs from fairy tales. In order for one to study the theoretical foundations, interpret the research results, and generalise conclusions, the method of theoretical analysis and synthesis was used. The research deployed the method of reception of an artistic work, the method of analytical observation of children’s drawings, the method of studying artistic techniques, the method of oral presentation and discussion, as well as the demonstration method. The research was conducted at the ‘Srna’ preschool facility, involving 25 children. The children approached the task creatively and originally, transferring their reactions, emotions, and experiences onto paper. It was confirmed that literary motifs for children can be effectively used in working with preschool children, positively influencing their experience, knowledge, imagination, creativity, and development. Every new fairy tale offers a broad range of fresh motifs and ideas for children, as concluded from discussions about the text. These motifs can be used to develop artistic abilities and creativity, and they can be integrated with other learning activities as well, which is further explored in the paper.