My daughters have always enjoyed doing simple children’s art – things like drawing, painting and shaping clay. They have also attempted very basic cross stitching, needlepoint and knitting.
This year they both expressed an interest in entering an art competition at school. Being the art-challenged person that I am, I was very thankful for the school art teacher who coached them along in their efforts.
While I’m not talented in this area, I have enjoyed watching my children complete art projects, especially during their preschool years. I love to see children participating in art at any level and here are five reasons why.
- It encourages creativity. You nearly always start with a blank canvas, be it paper, clay or textiles. Nothing but the child’s imagination limits him to what he can create.
- It expresses individuality. No two children ever design quite the same piece of art. Whether it’s the angle of the camera, the depth of paint color or the arrangement of the stitches, each child can convey his own personality through what he conceives.
- It creates keepsakes. Admittedly, sometimes there is an overabundance of treasures, but saving some of a child’s best work gives both mom and child something to look back on with pleasure.
- It’s messy. I surprised myself by including this one, as I’m typically in “neatness” mode, but making a mess is often part of the process. There’s something most children enjoy about getting dirty once in awhile!
- It builds confidence. Making something with your own hands gives a person a certain sense of accomplishment. Seeing how he progresses as he continues perfecting his art form can be a basis for a lifelong appreciation of imagination and perseverance.
What are your child’s favorite art projects to do? Are there other ways you encourage creativity?
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