Kids love to create. Painting, drawing, sculpting — anything that involves using their hands to create something, kids typically enjoy doing it. Not only is it enjoyable for kids, but they actually benefit from partaking in art projects both inside and outside of school. What are these benefits?
Allows for Creative Expression
First, making art allows for creative expression. Children are curious and need an outlet where they can be free to explore and express themselves. Art class at school may be more structured while making art at home may be more free-flowing. A mix of the two is best so that children receive guidance in one place and then have the ability to do as they please in another.
Identifies Issues
A popular form of therapy for children is art therapy, and this is because kids will create art that reflects what they’re feeling. With the divorce rate for first marriages at a devastating 41%, there’s no doubt that children who go through trauma at a young age may have difficulty as they grow up if they don’t receive help while they’re young. The art created by children can point to and identify issues that can be addressed sooner rather than later.
Exercises Fine Motor Skills
Creating art also lets children exercise their fine motor skills. “Fine motor skills are the ability to make movements using the small muscles in our hands and wrists,” Understood.org explains. Writing, using scissors, and holding paintbrushes, pencils, and other writing utensils are among a few fine motor skills that are exercised as kids engage in arts and crafts. Undergoing bigger projects at home, such as making a piece of furniture out of a wooden pallet, would also engage these skills. Since the average wooden pallet has over 100 nails in it, your child would not only learn how to use a hammer, but they could also learn how to sand the wood and paint it with a cool design of their choice.
Boosts Confidence
When a kid creates something on their own, they feel a sense of purpose and feel proud of what they’ve created. It’s important for children to receive praise for the art they’ve created. It doesn’t matter what it looks like — it matters that they feel confident in it. At home, hang up your child’s artwork so they can see that their creations are acknowledged and appreciated.
Connects Children
When children make art together, they can connect on a different level. Art classes in school especially allow for this because children are seated at tables together and are working toward a common goal. Teachers who incorporate art projects into their curriculum also allow kids to connect, especially projects that allow children to collaborate and work together. This allows for several creative minds to learn to work together where all of their talents and strengths can be utilized at once.
Prepares Kids for School
Young kids who engage in arts and crafts at home will be more prepared for school. Since art can allow kids to boost their confidence, exercise their fine motor skills, and be more expressive, they’ll be more prepared for the demands of school. They may be more willing to engage in their schoolwork and work with their peers because they’ll have increased empathy and an ability to see multiple perspectives. Plus, kids who like art before school will enjoy the class dedicated to it while in school. Keep in mind that students who engage in art while in school are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three three times more likely to be awarded for school attendance. Therefore, being involved in art in school may help your child in the long run.
Builds an Appreciation for Art
Kids who engage in arts and crafts will build an appreciation for it. This allows for continued curiosity and interest as they continue to learn about and partake in art projects. Art is a major part of history, and historians can often learn a lot about a particular era or event in history from art created during that time. Perhaps your child will be more interested down the road in learning more about the history of art if they’re introduced to and intrigued by it at a young age. As your child gets older, be sure to continuously bring art projects into your home so they can learn and grow from them.
It’s important for children to have an outlet where they can express themselves, exercise their creative minds and fine motor skills, connect with others, and appreciate what they and others have created. Thankfully, engaging in arts and crafts projects checks all of these boxes. Bring art into your home when your kids are young so they can benefit in a multitude of ways.
[…] require as much fine detail. The greatest part about painting is that they know it to be a stress relief, so you will feel more relaxed and joyful after you […]