The arts play a vital role in a child’s development and offer a unique and beneficial way for a child to express his or her thoughts and ideas creatively. Artistic activities can help children develop vocabulary and communication skills. Having children engage with different art materials improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while fostering problem solving and critical thinking skills.
You can provide ways to encourage your child’s artistic expression with materials in your home. Scrap paper, rolling pins and cookie cutters are readily available tools to create art. Manipulating playdough, building a collage with scrap paper or using finger paints creates visual interests and excitement about learning.
Having children engage with different art materials improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while fostering problem solving and critical thinking.
Another form of expression is through music. Music is a wonderful tool for inspiration and can reinforce positive behavior. It can stimulate children’s minds, encourage imagination and even help in their cognitive development. Playing music in the car or at home inspires children to listen, move, dance and sing along. Household items such as wooden spoons and plastic bowls can mimic drum sounds heard in a favorite song.
Sensory art experiences, music, creative movement and imaginative play are a few ways children can express themselves artistically. Support your child’s innovative efforts by talking with them about their work of art and providing them multiple opportunities to have fun. Remember to just focus on their enjoyment of creating art and not the end product.
