GROWIE's Preschool Development Corner Series 12

Grow Your Child's Mind With Art

"Art teaches preschoolers to believe in themselves, to try new things and to trust their own imaginations. Art also teaches them that there are surprises, possibilities and wonder in imagination, and they can control how it all happens." – MaryAnn F. Kohl, author

All children are born with a tendency to scribble, and as most parents have observed, any surface will do! When a child creates a work of art, he is not just drawing a picture. He is expressing himself, asserting his individuality, and interpreting the world around him in a way that is uniquely personal.

Children are more sensitive, and react more vividly to our environment than the average adult. From early childhood, they will begin to scribble and draw if given access to materials. It is an avenue for them to 'celebrate' their everyday experiences.

A child's earliest artistic creations are aimed at pleasing no one but himself. As a child matures, he will want his drawings to mean something to other people.

Tips For Encouraging The Artist In Your Child

Create an 'Art Corner' in your home, complete with child-sized furniture and art materials.
Try not to interfere by offering suggestions or adding details to your child's work. Let him express himself through ways that are unique and meaningful to him.
Avoid correcting your child's work by making comments like "Skies are not green in colour!" Your child is a unique individual who perceives things differently from you. Praise the positive aspects instead.
Don't force your child to explain his creations. Instead, enjoy the special quality of his work.
Find areas in your home where you cna display some of your child's work. While this shows home that you value his efforts, it will also boost his confidence. You might even want to make copies of the drawings, and send these to grandparents, other relatives and close friends!

Keep in mind that as a parent you do not need to try to make a professional artist out of your child. The goal is to allow him to develop a happier mind and a richer personality by learning to express himself unhibitedly through art. Art is not about achieving impressive results; rather, the emphasis should be on the creative process.