Importance of Art and Craft in Child Development
The thought of doing crafts with your child may seem like a messy and daunting task. But, crafting with your children is actually one of the most beneficial activities you can do to help them grow and learn.
From developing language skills to boosting creativity, there are a host of benefits for children when it comes to these simple activities.
Since art education is on the decline in US schools, it is now more important than ever for parents and caregivers to create an environment where children are encouraged to explore their creativity. Don’t underestimate the power of arts and crafts in child development – it is one of the best gifts you can give your child!
Benefits of Art and Craft for Child Development
1) Improves Language Skills
For young children, doing and talking about art provides a great opportunity for them to enhance their language skills. As children communicate with their teachers, parents, and peers about their work, they are learning new words and building up their vocabulary.
Research shows that as children’s language skills develop, their frustration and tantrums tend to decrease as they are better able to express how they feel. This is a great reason to start crafts at home with your child!
2) Develops Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills refer to a child’s ability to control smaller muscle movements in their hands, wrists, and fingers. Doing arts and crafts projects helps children develop these important skills early on. As they glue pieces of paper together, draw shapes with markers, or use scissors to cut out pictures, their fine motor muscles are being strengthened.
As children develop their fine motor skills, they become more independent. Basic life skills like tying shoelaces, or buttoning up a coat require the coordinated use of these little hand muscles. So arts and crafts are a great first step to help develop their fine motor and become more independent.
3) Enhances Math Concepts
Arts and crafts can help children understand concepts they will encounter in future math classes. From counting and symmetry to sorting, measuring, and patterning, arts and crafts provide a fun way for kids to practice these skills.
A study was performed at a low-income school in the Bronx. The students went from having no art education at all to a curriculum that included a multifaced art program. The results were amazing! There was a 9% increase in standardized math scores. This study alone shows the power of arts and crafts.
4) Improved Academic Performance
Many researchers have found tangible benefits between academic performance and art education. The Bronx study mentioned above, which found a 9% increase in math scores, also found an 8% increase in standardized English test scores.
There is very solid research between academic success and art education. When art is used as a learning tool, children have greater attentiveness, reaction times, and comprehension. Despite these amazing benefits, the No Child Left Behind Law has forced many schools across the country to reallocate their art education funds to subjects like math and English.
5) Improves Self Esteem
Participating in arts and crafts activities helps to boost children’s self-esteem as they feel proud of the projects they have created. It also gives them a sense of accomplishment and an opportunity to explore their creativity, which can lead to enhanced confidence.
Additionally, because art projects don’t always go according to plan, children have the opportunity to take risks and make mistakes in a safe environment. This is a great way to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
6) Enhances Cognitive Skills
Art develops a child’s cognitive skills by helping them to think critically, problem-solve, and apply creative solutions. As children create art, they are engaging their brain in the thought process of what colors to use, how to blend colors together, and which materials to combine for different textures. This helps stimulate their brain in amazing ways!
As children work on a project, they are constantly making decisions about which colors to use and what techniques will make their art look the way they want. This helps teach them that mistakes don’t have to be permanent. It also encourages them to find creative solutions when something doesn’t turn out as planned.
7) Encourages Creativity
Art is a great way to help foster creative thinking in children. As they create their own works of art, they are learning that there is no one “right” answer and that different approaches can lead to unique results.
Arts and crafts give children the chance to express themselves in a safe environment. By exploring different materials and techniques, they are exposed to new ways of thinking. This helps them develop their own unique style as they figure out what works best for them. Allowing children to create freely gives them an outlet to explore their creativity without fear of judgment or criticism.
6 Easy Craft Ideas For Kids
Here are 6 super easy craft ideas that you can start today with your kids.
1) Finger Painting – All you need is paper, paint, and fingers! This is a great activity to help your child learn and develop through sensory play.
2) Popsicle Stick Frames – Give your child some art supplies and let them decorate popsicle sticks to make frames for your favorite photos.
3) Homemade Cards – Show someone how much you care by making them handmade cards.
4) Paper Plate Animals – Get your child’s imagination going by making animals out of paper plates and craft supplies.
5) Jewelry Making – Let your child explore their own creativity by making jewelry with beads, string, and glue.
6) Rock Painting – This is a fun activity for kids of all ages! Give them some rocks, and paint, and let their imaginations run wild.
Final Thoughts on the Power of Art in Child Development!
It is undeniable that arts and crafts have a huge impact on the development of children. Not only do they help to improve their academic performance, but children also learn how to problem solve, express themselves creatively, and build self-esteem. With these activities, you can give your children the tools they need to be successful in life.
So get crafting and make some magical memories with your little one!
