This week I sent out an amazing new art activity in our weekly member’s newsletter. It is an activity I have used with children from toddlers to teenagers.
It is always a huge hit and the results are incredible. It is truly one of those activities where kids stand back and stare in awe at what they have created.
It got me thinking about the benefits of creative art activities for children. WHY is it so important to expose our children to a broad range of art and creative play activities?
Well, here are my top 5 reasons!
Enhances Creativity and Imagination
Engaging in creative activities helps children to use their imaginations and think outside of the box. This encourages them to come up with new and innovative ideas and solutions, which can be a valuable skill in many areas of life.
By having a good, strong sense of imagination, children will see improvements in their:
Cognitive Development: Imagination can help children develop their cognitive abilities by promoting creativity, problem-solving skills, and abstract thinking. It allows children to explore different possibilities, experiment with different solutions, and come up with new and innovative ideas.
Emotional Development: Imagination allows them to explore and express their feelings and emotions in a safe and imaginative way. It can help children develop empathy and understanding for others, as well as helping them to regulate their own emotions.
Social Development: Imagination helps children develop their social skills by providing them with opportunities to play and interact with others. It can promote cooperation, communication, and teamwork, as well as helping children to develop their social confidence and self-esteem.
Language Development: It allows children to experiment with different words and phrases and to develop their vocabulary and language skills.
Joy and Well-being: Finally, imagination can simply bring children joy and a sense of well-being. It can provide an outlet for creativity and self-expression, as well as a way to escape from the stresses and pressures of everyday life.t
Develops Fine Motor Skills
Many creative activities, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, require the use of fine motor skills. These skills are essential for tasks such as writing, typing, and using tools.
Fine Motor Skills are crucial because they help children with:
1. Handwriting: Fine motor skills, such as the ability to grasp and manipulate a writing tool, are essential for handwriting. Children with well-developed fine motor skills are able to write more neatly and with greater speed and accuracy.
2. Self-Care: Fine motor skills are also important for self-care activities, such as buttoning clothes, brushing teeth, and tying shoelaces. Children with strong fine motor skills are able to perform these tasks independently and with greater ease.
3. Play: Fine motor skills are important for a wide range of play activities, such as building with blocks, drawing and coloring, and playing with small toys. Children with strong fine motor skills are able to engage in these activities more effectively and with greater creativity.
4. Coordination: Fine motor skills also play a key role in hand-eye coordination and overall body coordination. Children with strong fine motor skills are able to coordinate their movements more effectively, which can have a positive impact on sports and other physical activities.
Improves Cognitive Development
Creative activities can improve cognitive development in children by helping them to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions. This can lead to better academic performance and overall success in life
Cognitive development means that as children grow, their brain gets better at thinking, learning, and understanding things. They become better at remembering things, paying attention, and solving problems.
Cognitive development is important because it helps children learn and be successful in school, as well as manage their emotions and interact with others in positive ways.
Encourages Self-Expression
Creative activities provide children with a safe and supportive outlet for self-expression. This can help them to better understand and express their emotions and ideas.
Self-expression is something we take for granted these days. I think we are now part of a society that understands – for the most part – it is okay to express our true self. When we aren’t given the proper outlet to express ourselves, it can lead to:
Increased Stress
Decreased Self-Esteem
Difficulty in Relationships
Increased Frustration and Anger
Limited Personal Growth
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
When children engage in creative activities and see their ideas come to life, it can boost their confidence and self-esteem.
This can help them to feel more confident in their abilities and more willing to take on new challenges.
Boosting our children’s self esteem is absolutely crucial. Children with greater self esteem have:
Greater Resilience: Children with high self-esteem are better equipped to handle stress and setbacks. They are more likely to bounce back from adversity and persevere through challenges.
Improved Social Skills: Children with high self-esteem are generally more confident in social situations and are more likely to form positive relationships with others. They are also more likely to stand up for themselves and assert their boundaries when needed.
Better Academic Performance: Children with high self-esteem are more likely to have a positive attitude toward learning and are more motivated to succeed in school. They also tend to have better problem-solving skills and are more likely to seek out help when they need it.
Greater Emotional Well-being: Children with high self-esteem tend to experience less anxiety and depression and are more likely to have a positive self-image. They are also more likely to engage in activities that promote physical health and well-being.
Increased Confidence and Independence: Children with high self-esteem are more likely to take on new challenges and explore new interests. They are also more likely to make decisions for themselves and advocate for their needs and wants.
How to support your child with Art
Now we know how important art is for children, what’s the best way to encourage art activities?
Inside The Little Learning Hub, there is an entire section dedicated to art and creativity!
What’s your favourite art activity? Leave me a comment and let me know!