Art and creative thinking play a large part in EC3’s curriculum. Children develop life skills through art activities. It may seem like all fun and games … and it is! But your child is learning a great deal through exploring the arts. A few skills your child is picking up:
Communication Skills: When your child draws, paints, or hangs random materials on a paper, he/she is communicating visibly. Art projects usually depict a life experience your child has had. Simply ask your child, “Tell me about your picture.”
Problem-Solving Skills: When your child explores art ideas, he/she is testing possibilities and working through challenges (i.e., the tape is too short and won’t hold paper together, or the yarn they cut is too long, etc.). Instead of following specific rules or directions, your child gets to explore how and why.
Social and Emotional Skills: Art helps children come to terms with who they are by giving them control over their efforts. Your child takes pride in showing off his/her artwork to others and learns to appreciate the work of others. Art fosters positive mental health by allowing children to show off their unique styles.
Fine Motor Skills: Fine motor skills allow your child to do things delicately, such as turning a book page carefully. Holding a marker or paint brush so it makes the marks your child wants, or snipping paper into tiny pieces helps to develop your child’s fine motor skills.
While all of these skills are very important, it is just as important to bring home the artwork your child creates. Even if your child’s cubby is filled with pieces of paper, each depicting just one scribble, it means something to your child. Showcasing your child’s artwork sends the message that you care, you are proud of their work, and you are involved with what is happening at school. It is so important for children to feel recognized for their work and accomplishments and displaying their artwork around the house is a perfect way of doing so. Designate an area in the house for your child to display his/her creations. Next time your child’s cubby is full of artwork, don’t leave it to accumulate or throw it away. Your child will notice and may perceive that you don’t like it, or that they are not important. Not every piece of artwork needs to be showcased; just be conscious. Remember, the artwork may look like nothing to you, but ask your child…I bet it has a huge story behind it!
See last week’s newsletter for creative ways to display your child’s artwork!
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