Even before children can talk they can be artists. Just like play, art forms are a natural way for children to express themselves when they have no other language to do so. Besides enhancing a child’s socialisation and communication skills it also gives us the privilege of being allowed into their private world.
What other benefits do arts and culture hold for our children?
- It allows a child to learn to work both individually and in groups.
- Visual arts, drama, music and literature increase children’s awareness and understanding of other cultures.
- It enhances a child’s reading, writing and mathematical skills.
- It encourages the use of imagination and creativity which facilitates the development of more neural connections in the brain which in turn leads to the development of problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
- It assists motor development, both gross (e.g. if a child does some form of movement or dance) and fine (e.g. a child working with play dough or playing the violin) motor skills are refined.
- It makes education more interesting – reading a Shakespearean play in a classroom is not half as much fun as sitting in a park on a picnic blanket hearing the words from colourfully dressed fairies. Children learn without knowing they’re learning.
- Shaping a new talent improves concentration and planning abilities. For example: if Sally wants to demonstrate her new hip-hop dance routine, she has to concentrate on the music so that she starts on the right beat and plan how she will use the space in the family room and whether she must move furniture.
- Children learn to experiment: what colour do I get if I mix blue and yellow?
- It encourages self-discipline and perseverance and children realise that achievement takes time and has a beginning, middle and end-product whether it be a play, collage or clarinet piece.
How do you encourage an interest in and love of arts and culture?
- Model your own interests
- Shopping malls and theatres offer plays and pantomimes during school vacations.
- Art and music teachers often organise holiday workshops so look for one in your area. I know of a few art teachers who welcome parents’ involvement at these workshops!
- Arrange visits to museums or art galleries – your child will not only learn what they like during these visits, but also what they don’t like.
- Encourage open-ended projects which don’t have a right way of being done e.g. “Let’s paint with red today” instead of “Let’s paint a house”. Colouring and paint-by-numbers books tend to set rigid limits. Even Lego sets come with instructions which can hamper creativity so rather opt for bulk sets with a variety of pieces.
- Expect a mess if working with materials like paint. Telling a child not to mess or splash can inhibit their creativity so rather provide things like old shirts or aprons, newspapers.
- Participate with your child, ask their opinion, discuss their work rather than just praising it – let your child know that you’ve seen their hard work and perseverance.
One of the joys of having children is that you are allowed – no expected – to have as much fun as they do, so get painting, singing, dancing, playing...
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