How Parents Can Encourage Creativity in their Kids
5 Ways to encourage Creativity in Your Kids
Have a variety of AGE APPROPRIATE art materials open on a designated table for your kids to experiment with.
Point out art in everyday places. (Yes, nature is an art form!) So too is the design of a beautiful building.
NEVER draw for your children! As tempting as it is, your child will continually be comparing their work to yours and will get increasingly frustrated.
Allow for free, open play. Children create their own games if they are not constantly entertained by you or the screen!
Play a game in a museum/gallery e.g. How many ….do you see? What do you think that person is thinking about? etc. SEE MY BLOG ON THE SUBJECT
expose them to various artists
Ask open ended questions!
Developmental Benefits of Art
Motor Skills: Many of the motions involved in making art, such as holding a paintbrush or scribbling with a crayon, are essential to the growth of fine motor skills in young children.
Language Development: For very young children, making art—or just talking about it—provides opportunities to learn words for colors, shapes and actions.
Improved Academic Performance: Studies show that there is a correlation between art and other achievement. A report by Americans for the Arts states that young people who participate regularly in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
Decision Making: According to a report by Americans for the Arts, art education strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The experience of making decisions and choices in the course of creating art carries over into other parts of life. “If they are exploring and thinking and experimenting and trying new ideas, then creativity has a chance to blossom,” says MaryAnn Kohl, an arts educator and author of numerous books about children’s art education.
Visual Learning: Drawing, sculpting with clay and threading beads on a string all develop visual- spatial skills, which are more important than ever.