Exactly Why Creativity And Self Expression Are Important To Small Youngsters
Can you draw a straight line? Most grown ups don’t consider on their own 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 discussions with parents about ‘how their toddler is doing’ as far as getting ready for preschool or kindergarten. These people worry a lot about the final product of their toddler’s art projects. I try to make clear for them that art is not merely knowing how to draw a flower or a puppy, or whether or not little Jerrika colors in the outlines. Little kids need to see 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 if he makes yet another ‘snowman’ out of play-doh, he’s 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 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 clutter, however they just wiggle with excitement once i take out there the ‘arts & crafts’ tub of supplies! Having been a military wife and lived in a few different places, I’ve always returned to providing home day care. As 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 anyplace. I’ve found that the activity is most effective when it’s pre-planned and when I’ve set goals for the activity.
Art is important for toddlers as a result of way it makes little kids feel special and good about themselves. When your toddler finishes a publication 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 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 here to identify colors, cause-and-effect, shapes, problem solving, sharing and co-operation among a number of other skills.
Mother and father must be sure you ask toddlers or preschoolers questions about their projects that can help 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. L will commence to discuss his work or anything more he feels important at the time! This too shows your child that you are thinking about what he thinks and aren’t’ just confused about what you see! Make sure to hang the art work up in a prominent place in your house so the whole family can enjoy it.
Art experiences are a major part of a toddler’s daily activities. They have got grown enough to grasp objects and tear papers and hold crayons and brushes. Naturally they are thrilled with the anticipation of a new art project, and most important, with the quality time spent with the important adults in his/her life.
