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CLASS Aligned Lesson Plan Pack (see more details below).
In early childhood education, process-oriented experiences are far more than simple art activities—they reflect developmentally appropriate practice and the way young children learn best. MaryAnn Kohl (1994) reminds us that when children engage in open-ended exploration, they discover ideas, experiment with materials, test possibilities, and develop confidence as thinkers. The value lies not in creating something perfect, but in engaging deeply with the act of creation itself.
This approach connects powerfully with the PreK CLASS tool, which emphasizes rich teacher-child interactions, instructional support, and emotionally supportive learning environments. When children are engaged in open-ended, process-based activities, teachers naturally scaffold thinking, provide meaningful language support, and foster autonomy—hallmarks of high-quality CLASS interactions.
Empowering Educators Through Adaptable, CLASS-Aligned Learning
Our goal is to empower educators to make thoughtful adaptations that meet the needs of each and every young learner. Process-based activities give teachers flexible opportunities to tailor lessons based on individual interests, developmental levels, and seasonal themes.
The CLASS-aligned Lesson Plan Pack was created with this in mind. Designed for early childhood classrooms, the 16 completed lessons offer open-ended, hands-on experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and skill development. Each lesson supports teachers in planning intentionally while keeping CLASS indicators at the forefront. Try out the winter activities this holiday season! Like what you see? Click the button below to download all 16 lessons, complete with 4 lessons per season for winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Why Process-Based Experiences Matter
Open-ended experiences encourage children to lead their own learning. This not only nurtures creativity but also supports the kinds of interactions CLASS measures. In an episode of the Teaching with CLASS Podcast (April 25, 2024), Lanika Flores discusses “Using Art to Manage Big Feelings”:
- Art allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in meaningful ways.
- Caregivers can create a supportive environment for children by offering a variety of materials and allowing children to choose their own journey.
- Caregivers can help children feel safe and empowered to express themselves by building positive relationships with children, setting clear but minimal rules, and providing autonomy and respect in the art-making process.
- Caregivers can teach children emotional intelligence by providing a nonverbal way to express and explore their emotions.
And when educators experience these activities firsthand—just as children do—they gain insight into how the approach fosters learning across domains. As Kohl (1994) emphasizes, process-centered exploration builds problem-solving skills, strengthens fine motor abilities, enhances language development, and nurtures confidence. All of this happens naturally, without the pressure of producing a “right” answer or a picture-perfect product.
In an article published by Teaching Young Children (2014), Bongiorno describes how open-ended projects encourage creativity:
- There are no step-by-step instructions
- There is no right or wrong way to explore and create
- The art is focused on the experience and on exploration of techniques, tools, and materials
- The art is unique and original
- The experience is relaxing or calming
- The art is entirely their own
- The art experience is their choice
Aligned with Standards, Designed for Real Classrooms
Each lesson in the CLASS Aligned Lesson Plan Pack goes hand in hand with Virginia’s Early Learning Developmental Standards (VA ELDS), ensuring that process-based learning is both intentional and academically grounded. The lessons are not designed to replace a comprehensive curriculum; rather, they serve as a powerful supplement, offering teachers ready-to-use activities that elevate quality and deepen interactions. Consider the section on Approaches to Play and Learning (APL)- APL 1.1. “Being Curious Learners” tells us that children aged 12-60 months will (Virginia Department of Education, 2023, p. 15):
- Participate in new experiences…and experiment with new materials
- Ask questions about materials and how they are used…show interest in changes in the environment…ask “Why?”
- Show eagerness to learn about a variety of topics
A Classroom Where Creativity and Quality Thrive
By weaving together the insight of Preschool Art: It’s the Process, Not the Product, the high-quality interaction focus of the PreK CLASS tool, and developmentally meaningful activity design, we create classrooms where children flourish.
When we prioritize the process, we empower children to think bravely, explore freely, and learn joyfully—and we empower teachers to support them with intentional, CLASS-aligned excellence.
Need more support with understanding the CLASS tool in your early childhood setting? Submit a request for assistance by clicking here to get in touch with our early childhood trio at TTAC ODU for classroom coaching!
References
Bongiorno, L. (2014). How process-focused art experiences support preschoolers. Teaching Young Children, Vol. 7 (3). https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/feb2014/process-art-experiences
Cline, K., (Host), Flores, L., (Guest). (April 25, 2024). Using art to manage big feelings (Season 5, Episode 1) [Audio Podcast Episode]. In Teaching with CLASS. Teach Stone. https://info.teachstone.com/blog/using-art-to-manage-big-feelings
Kohl, M. F. (1994). Preschool Art: It’s the process, not the product. Gryphon House.
Teachstone. (n.d.). Using art to manage big feelings (Season 5, Episode 1). 336169.hs-sites.com. Retrieved November 25, 2025, from https://336169.hs-sites.com/hubfs/S5E1%20Using%20Art%20To%20Manage%20Big%20Feelings.pdf?hsCtaAttrib=165447490485
Virginia Department of Education. (2023). Virginia early learning and development standards: Birth through kindergarten. https://www.doe.virginia.gov/virginia-early-learning-and-development-standards.