While art supports the development of fine motor skills, language and critical thinking, it is also a wonderful way to encourage social abilities, emotional intelligence and assists children in math and science. Most parents fail to understand that social skills and an appreciation for nature must be nurtured in young ones. Introducing your child to art classes or hosting a play date with paints, clay and drawing materials makes it easier for them to learn how to share and communicate with other kids. Toddlers and older children can benefit from regular participation in these activities providing a safe and fun platform to engage with others and exercise their artistic side.
Children who are reserved or struggle to make friends can experience an easier less stressful way to connect with others of their age when participating in art activities. An art class encourages kids and adolescents to work together, motivate one another and appreciate beautiful things. Building a stronger relationship with your child includes regular art activities. You can teach little ones how to identify shapes and colors while working with various mediums. It prepares them for school in a fun and less stressful way helping them better engage and learn. When a child is given a task to complete, whether building an object out of clay or drawing themselves on paper, praise and encouragement builds a strong sense of self. The ability to overcome a challenge and create something pleasing teaches important emotional skills used right into adulthood. Sharing, communication and expression contribute to confidence. An exploratory approach to learning helps kids navigate their way through life and provides them the support needed to work through important subjects or projects without giving up so easily. Simple Art Activities for Children While many schools have incorporated art as a formal subject within the curriculum, it can be introduced at home. The simplest DIY tasks can involve the entire family. The following arts and crafts can help prepare toddlers for school with the added benefit of essential skill development. Affordable art supplies include crayons and paper and simply sitting with your child and drawing together can develop a healthier relationship and sense of expression. Get busy with soft dough or clay that little ones can use to build objects or simply enjoy the different colors and textures between their fingers. Introduce glue and sucker sticks and create interesting works of art subject to imagination. For children ages 3 to 4, have them cut out printed paper shapes and past onto a cardboard backing where they can decorate it with glitter and paint. While performing the activity, ask them about the shapes they are cutting out and to name the colors, encouraging language and higher level processing. Benefits of Learning Through Art With the wide range of DIY and class based art activities available, get innovative by introducing your child to a world of creativity, imagination and a fun way to learn. Motor and social skills, cultural appreciation, language, and many other important milestones are encouraged that set the stage for healthy academic, adolescent and adult development. Author Marcie Kenny
4 Comments
Emily
4/25/2017 06:09:49 am
Excellent read! As someone who would consider themselves to be really terrible at art, I try and encorporate art and crafts in our play with our toddler wherever I can - he loves it. We have many creations around the house and I love seeing his imagination come to life!
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4/28/2017 04:46:28 pm
My Aunt works in schools to help primary aged children with art play and her programs are really successful. I don't have any children yet but I can see the value! Great post!
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5/20/2017 02:35:29 pm
As a former elementary general music teacher, I totally agree art must be in the curriculum. I've taught in districts that hire art specialists, and also in ones that don't. Believe me, if there is an art specialist in the building, his/her creativity rubs off on the other teachers. Demand art in your school.
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AuthorHi, I'm Marcie Kenny, the women behind this blog. I am not a mother, but I am number seven in a family of nine. I worked in childcare for many years before retiring; now I enjoy blogging about all that I have learned along the way. Archives
October 2020
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