177 Frances Street, RR#5, Mitchell, Ontario
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177 Frances Street, RR#5, Mitchell, Ontario |
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Parent Corner: Why Art is Important
Artwork benefits all aspects of children’s development. While working with various art materials such as clay, markers, cornstarch, and fabric children experiment with colour, line, shape and size as they draw, paint, and make collages. For children, it is the process of creating that is important, not what they actually create.
Art is not colouring books, patterns, and precut models. By using these types of product-oriented material, it leaves little room for imagination, experimentation, individuality, or discovery. Not only do they inhibit creativity, they may also have a negative effect on self-esteem, as the child is unable to meet the expectation of the model by becoming too frustrated and discouraged. There are other ways to encourage these developmental skills through art by using scissors, foam, paper, and glue.
How Art Promotes Development:
Social/Emotional Development
Shows ability to adjust to new situations i.e. draws picture of family members after saying goodbye to family members
Demonstrates ability to be independent i.e. able to choose desired materials needed to create individual art experience.
Cognitive Development
Observes objects and events with curiosity i.e. picks up objects from nature walk (leaves, acorns, pods, and stones) and is able to incorporate as a medium of art.
Recognizes patterns and can repeat them i.e. paints a series of rainbows all with stripes of blue, yellow and green
Physical Development
Controls small muscles in hands i.e. uses clay or play dough to make ropes and balls,
Uses tools for writing and drawing i.e. tries out a variety of drawing implements such as markers, pencil crayons, and crayons.
Language Development
Express self using words and expanded sentences i.e. describes his drawing
Writes letters and words i.e. indicates early stages of emergent writing
“A Child’s mind is much more creative and artistic than any coloring book allows.”
Creative Curriculum for Preschool, 2002
Resources:
Dodge, Diane T. & Colker, Laura J. (1996). Creative Curriculum For Preschool, Third Edition. Delmar Cengage Learning; Clifton Park, NY.
Dodge, Diane T., Colker, Laura J. & Heroman, Cate (2002). Creative Curriculum For Preschool, Fourth Edition. Delmar Cengage Learning; Clifton Park, NY.
Written by Kari and Lisa, Program Assistants at the Ilderton Early Years Site
Perth Care For Kids is committed to supporting the importance of early childhood education and development by offering a variety of flexible, quality programs and services for children, families and caregivers.
We are proud to be the host agency for the Perth-Middlesex Early Years Centres.