By Chelsea Reed
Remember what it was like when you went to art class? Colorful, messy experiments with paint and clay were likely involved. You brushed, swirled, smooshed, and baked the creations you learned to make. And when you were done, you could take them home to show off to your family. Whether or not art was your favorite school subject, its importance in learning is just as true for youngsters now as it was then.
Last week we explored the remarkable ways art can help the human brain. How much more so with our children! As research shows, it turns out art exposure is essential for healthy child development. Let’s dig deeper today and explore the fascinating benefits children receive when they get involved with making and viewing original art. Here are three of them:
A toddler who holds art tools like a paint brush learns important motor skills for writing and other fine detail work. Viewing art may also help young children learn new words and communicate feelings they don’t know the words to yet.
Did you know that art participation helps children earn better grades? According to a study by Americans for the Arts, kids who have active involvement in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievements than those who are not. They’re also more likely to participate in a science fair or enter a writing contest. Now that’s “art smart!”
Art is multifaceted and full of surprises. When children create art, they’re free to explore new and diverse ideas. They have to make their own choices and learn from the outcome in order to reach their goals. “What happens if I mix white with green?” “I wonder what the color orange sounds like?” Questions like these help children find new ways to communicate complex ideas with art.
This out of the box thinking fosters a pioneering mindset versus a linear one. It’s an important ingredient for flourishing societies, careers, and even inventions. Who knows? Your child or young friend could be the next Michelangelo!
How You Can Get Involved
Introducing your young ones to the world of art is as easy as looking at it. Seaside Art Gallery is a wonderful place for art lovers of all ages to admire. Our gallery is child friendly! From sculptures to paintings and more, there are plenty of styles to learn from. Browse through our expansive art collection with your young ones and see what ideas they get. And if you find an artwork that strikes your own fancy, let us know!
Chelsea Reed is a freelance copywriter. She writes articles, blogs, websites and online content from her base in North Carolina.
