As parents and caregivers, we should always be looking for ways to encourage our children’s creativity and independence. Exposing children to art is one of the best ways to achieve these goals. There are many benefits to exposing children to art at a young age.
When children are exposed to art and encouraged to create their own art, they may discover talents and passions that they never knew they had. When we encourage children to draw and paint, they may develop new hobbies and skills that could lead them to find their passion in life or even a new career. Children who are allowed to create their own art gain a sense of pride as they see their ideas and projects come to life. They learn how to make decisions about what materials and colors to use, as well as what images to include in their artwork. Moreover, they learn that they can turn their imagination and emotions into concrete pieces of art that can be shared with others. When we expose children to art, we allow them to see themselves as creative beings.
In today’s diverse society, it is important for children to develop cultural competency. Art is an avenue that can be used to introduce children to different cultures and cultural values. A trip to the museum or a course on famous works of art can be the perfect opportunity to teach children about artists from a variety of backgrounds. As children explore works of art, parents and teachers should take the time to explain the historical context of the pieces, the artist’s background, and the cultural significance of each piece. This can lead children to appreciate different cultures and create a desire in them to learn more about the diverse people around them.
Art is a powerful form of self-expression. When we allow children the freedom and creativity to express themselves through art, we are really giving them an outlet to express their emotions. Children who might not be able to express their anxiety, anger or joy through words, may find that they are able to capture their emotions through drawing, painting, or sculpting. Many children find creating art to be soothing and use it to calm themselves when they are upset. Others find that simply looking at beautiful works of art can calm their minds when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. By exposing children to art, we are providing them with an additional self-regulation tool that can help them manage, understand, and express their emotions.
Many school districts are quick to cut art classes when budgets are tight, but art classes can play an essential role in helping students achieve academic success in schools. Many students learn essential skills such as perseverance through their art classes. During art class, students learn that they can achieve success through hard work, practice, and application of drawing and painting techniques. While some students may enter the class with an aptitude for art and others may need more guidance, all students will find that practice and persistence improve their ability to express themselves through their art. In addition to this, art also helps students to learn how to take risks, make decisions and think creatively. In art class, students are given the freedom to choose how to use art materials. They are encouraged to trust themselves and their artistic decisions. These skills can be carried over into other academic subjects where creative thinking and the ability to take risks are needed. When schools make art a priority, they are helping children to build essential skills that will help them thrive in other areas of their lives.
When children learn to appreciate art and express themselves through art, they are learning how to think creatively, value diverse cultures, and regulate their emotions. If you are a parent, set time aside each week to draw or paint with your child. Give them the freedom to express themselves and talk to them about the art that they create. If you are a teacher, find ways to incorporate art in your classroom. The time students spend exploring and creating art is time that they are using to think creatively and gain confidence in their artistic abilities.