What is actually the difference between media and materials

[greenfaerie]

Sorry for the silly question, but it's been bugging me for ages. DM discusses paint, gloop, dough and bubbles as "media". And it discusses things being wet, dry, flaky or fixed.

Then it gives an example of a photo saying "materials and resources" So is a photo a material or a resource? What else is a material other than actual material? (Okay, now that word has lost all meaning...)

I'm just a bit confused as to when I should use the word "material" when I'm writing my observations.

[hectors house]

have just looked up definition of "media" CollinsDictionary.com | Collins Dictionaries - Free Online it says "Definitions noun
a plural of medium
the means of communication that reach large numbers of people, such as television, newspapers, and radio

"medium" (art)
the category of a work of art, as determined by its materials and methods of production ⇒ ■ the medium of wood engraving - the materials used in a work of art

So it's still as clear as mud (is mud a medium or media though)!

[BallyH]

have just looked up definition of "media" CollinsDictionary.com | Collins Dictionaries - Free Online it says "Definitions noun
a plural of medium
the means of communication that reach large numbers of people, such as television, newspapers, and radio

"medium" (art)
the category of a work of art, as determined by its materials and methods of production ⇒ ■ the medium of wood engraving - the materials used in a work of art

So it's still as clear as mud (is mud a medium or media though)!

Lol, this made me chuckle as it is clear as mud!

[mama2three]

I use media when Im talking about which materials Im using!!

So we might be looking at fireworks for example. We are going to create fireworks through the media of.......x , y , z . That might be musical instruments to make the noises. Or dance. or paint. or collage.

then it breaks down further.. we are representing fireworks through collage, The materials Im using are coloured rice , sequins , etc.....

Does that make sense? Probably still clear as mud!!

[Maza]

What else is a material other than actual material? (Okay, now that word has lost all meaning...)

Don't confuse 'material' with the word 'fabric', lol! Not 'lol' at you by the way, just at the dilemma! I'm glad you have brought this up - I can see now that I have used 'media/medium in the wrong context for years. I'm cringing now.

So, materials other than fabric could be wood, polystyrene, plastic etc. Resources would be glue, thread, scissors - I think! x

[greenfaerie]

Haha, I'm still really confused! But thanks for your replies. I want to know exactly what the author was thinking when they penned the term, then I know how to label things.

[BallyH]

My understanding is your put the media on the material and acheive the effect by using materials.
Lol. My head is all foggy on this one. Feel as thought I've had a glass of wine!

[Maza]

So what would things like charcoal and pastels be? Media??

So if I said 'Johhny has produced beautiful pieces of work using a variety of media, such as charcoal and pastels' - would that be right or wrong?

Foggy head here too!

[mama2three]

id say that's right Maza . But then again I might be completely on the wrong track!
I see media as the way you are representing something , and materials / resources are what you actually use to do that!!

[BallyH]

So what would things like charcoal and pastels be? Media??

So if I said 'Johhny has produced beautiful pieces of work using a variety of media, such as charcoal and pastels' - would that be right or wrong?

Foggy head here too!

I would say you are right.

[BallyH]

id say that's right Maza . But then again I might be completely on the wrong track!
I see media as the way you are representing something , and materials / resources are what you actually use to do that!!

Yes I agree.

[hectors house]

I think it just sounded good and the author didn't expect anyone to analyse it or question it -sometimes I think the whole EYFS is a bit like "The emperors new clothes"