Young kids are great at being naturally creative! Whether it’s drawing or painting, there are arts and crafts for toddlers to encourage their enthusiasm for creating.
There are a lot of great things about being a kid. From playing tag to Saturday morning cartoons, there are a lot of fun and easy activities. But childhood is also a time when creativity really flourishes. Arts and crafts are perfect open-ended toys, whether you’re drawing or molding creations with clay. But as children get older, it can be hard to sustain the little artist in them. Luckily, there are plenty of spring art ideas for inspiring your child’s interest!
What effects do arts and crafts have on children?
One of the favorite activities of children everywhere is coming up with creative ideas. But there’s a lot more to arts and crafts for kids than meets the eye. In fact, when you emphasize creativity, kids have an improved ability to express themselves. They also become more creative adults! And, being creative actually has a positive impact on the academic performance of kids. According to Americans for the Arts, kids who participate in the arts are more likely to achieve academic goals. In addition, the attention required for art and crafts projects can help them to develop focus, motor skills, and self-confidence.
How can you encourage a love of art?
There are plenty of ways to get your young ones artistically inspired! Most of us have a passion for the arts, whether it’s music, the paintings of Picasso or poetry. So, share your love by reading a poetry book to your kids or listening to music. You can also take them to the art gallery to look at contemporary art, abstract art or even pop art. Since kids are naturally creative, give them the materials for their own arts and crafts ideas! Whether they prefer paint, markers or clay, this means they’ll always be able to express their creativity. Over time, they will probably show an inclination towards one thing. But, that doesn’t mean you should hamper their passion for other things! Let them see where the road takes them and be supportive of the direction they choose.
How can my kids learn about the arts?
There are plenty of arts and crafts for kids to inspire their interest. Art classes for kids, whether they’re for painting or drawing, will help to develop your children’s knowledge about art. It’s just important that the classes provide them with the inspiration they need instead of putting pressure on them. The right teacher is key in keeping them open to the possibilities of art, too.
Of course, if classes aren’t their thing, there are also a number of inspiring art books to choose from!
- The Great Big Art History Coloring Book – In addition to exploring famous works of art, this book will inspire arts and crafts ideas for kids. Your children will learn about artists, art movements and the most famous paintings around.
- Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression – She may be one of the most famous American photographers in history. However, this fun children’s book that explores Lange’s rebellions as a student may inspire the photographer in your little one!
What are some fun art activities for kids?
What are some fun art activities for kids?Beyond classes and books, spring brings many arts and crafts for toddlers to the forefront. While winter is a good time to go to events at the theatre or concert hall, you can do many activities outside in spring. Send your children outside with some sidewalk chalk to make their own drawings or gather flowers to press. You may even want to take them to a museum to sketch out their favorite works. And, if they show interest in taking up an instrument, let the choice be theirs! Whether they’re more passionate about piano, guitar or clarinet, choosing their own passion will keep them engaged.
Art is a natural part of childhood. However, as children get older it can be more difficult for them to take the time for creativity. Fortunately, with classes, books and visits to the arts and crafts store, they may be inspired to follow their passion. Do your children have a passion for the arts? If so, share their talents with us in our comments. While our artistic inclination changes as we get older, there’s little to match the curiosity and creativity art can inspire!
