Why Creativity And Self Manifestation Are Important To Small Kids
Can you draw a straight line? Many grown ups don’t consider themselves artistic. Parents do, however, worry about their toddler’s art abilities. As a child care provider for the past 10 years, I’ve had many conversations with parents about ‘how their toddler is doing’ as much as getting ready for preschool or kindergarten. They worry a lot about the final product of their toddler’s art jobs. I try to describe for them that art is not simply knowing how to draw a flower or a puppy, or whether or not little Jason colors in the lines. Little kids need to have self-expression and the ‘doing of art’ more than having a page from a coloring book to hang on the refrigerator.
When a two-year old puts his chubby little hand in a bath tub of finger paint and happily smears all of the colors together on the paper or when he makes yet another ‘snowman’ out of play-doh, he is creating. Granted, he will certainly let you know that his painting is his dad’s truck even though you ‘just can not see it. ’ The important thing to keep in mind is that by allowing our little kids to experience art in their own way, we allow them to show us how they see the world around them, how they feel and think.
I always enjoy art time with my toddler and kindergarten age groups. Yeah, they can make a mess, but they just wiggle with excitement when I take away the ‘arts & crafts’ tub of supplies! Getting been a military spouse and lived in a few different places, I’ve always returned to providing home day care. Because a result, I’ve needed to make do with whatever space I can find in the various homes we possess lived in. There’s not always a lot of room, but art can take place just about anywhere. I’ve found that the activity is most effective when it’s pre-planned so when I’ve set goals for the experience.
Art is important for toddlers due to way it makes little kids feel special and good about themselves. When your toddler finishes a journal cut-out collage and keeps up his masterpiece to you with that beaming smile doesn’t that make you are feeling good about both of you? Through creating simple art projects, that same toddler isn't just learning to take pride in his accomplishments, but also to think and refine his hand-eye coordination and physical skills. Through art, children learn to identify colors, cause-and-effect, shapes, problem solving, sharing and assistance among a great many other skills.
Moms and dads must be sure you ask toddlers or preschoolers questions about their projects that will make them think about what they’ve made rather than ask them ‘What is that? ’ For example, ‘C. J., tell Mommy with regards to your painting. ’ C. M will commence to speak about his work or anything otherwise he feels important at the time! This too shows your child that you are interested in what this individual thinks and aren’t’ just confused about what you see! Make sure to hang the art work up in a prominent place at home so the complete family can enjoy it.
Art encounters are a major part of a toddler’s daily activities. They may have grown enough to understanding objects and tear document and hold crayons and brushes. Naturally they are thrilled with the anticipation of a new artwork project, and most importantly, with the quality time spent with the full details important older people in his/her life.
