Exactly Why Creativity And Self Expression Are Important To Small Kids
Can you pull a straight line? Most adults don’t consider by 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’ so far 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 to them that art is not only knowing how to draw a flower or a puppy, or whether or not little Jerr 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 freezer.
When a two-year old puts his chubby little hand in a 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 tell you that his painting is his dad’s truck although you ‘just can not see it. ’ The important thing to remember is that by allowing our little kids to experience art in their own way, we be sure to let them 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, however they just wiggle with excitement when I take away the ‘arts & crafts’ tub of supplies! Having been a military better half 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 have lived in. There’s not always a lot of room, but art will take place just about everywhere. I’ve found that the activity is most effective when it’s pre-planned and once I’ve set goals for the game.
Art is important for toddlers due to way it makes little kids feel special and good about themselves. When your toddler finishes a magazine cut-out collage and keeps up his masterpiece to you with that beaming smile doesn’t that make you really feel good about both of you? Through creating simple art projects, that same toddler is not only learning to take pride in his accomplishments, but also to think and improve his hand-eye coordination and physical skills. Through artwork, children learn to identify colors, cause-and-effect, shapes, problem solving, sharing and cooperation among many other skills.
Parents must make sure to ask kids 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 start to speak about his work or anything else he feels important at the time! This too shows your child that you are interested in what he or she thinks and aren’t’ just confused about what you see! Make sure to hang the art work up in a notable place in your home so the whole family can enjoy it.
Art activities are a major part of a toddler’s daily activities. They have a peek here grown enough to grasp objects and tear paper and hold crayons and brushes. Naturally they are thrilled with the anticipation of a new fine art project, and most importantly, with the quality time spent with the important grown ups in his/her life.
