The Importance of Art in Early Childhood Development
As everything is increasingly online and children are constantly exposed to screens and digital distractions, there is nothing quite like physically creating a piece of art. Although some may regard art education as a luxury, creative activities play a crucial role in early childhood development, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond the immediate resulting art piece. Here are just some of the reasons why art is so important for children to do.
Emotional Expression
For many art is a powerful tool for emotional expression. Especially for children when they might not have the capability to express everything using their words, art offers a way for experiences or feelings to be communicated non-verbally. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or some other creation, being able to physically create something can do more for expression than words ever could. It’s a great outlet for children to release pent-up emotions in a healthy way.
Self Esteem
Art can be such an empowering activity, helping to boost self esteem and confidence. When children create something they're proud of, it instils a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to continue exploring their creativity. At Studio 48 we create a supportive atmosphere where art is wanted to be shared in our fun and inclusive environment, as when positive feedback is received for something you created, it develops and reinforces a positive self-image.
Motor Skills
Many of the motions involved in making art, such as holding a pencil or using a paintbrush, help children develop fine motor skills, muscle control, and hand-eye coordination. Every time scissors are used or glue applied to a craft, it is developing their dexterity and control, which will not only improve their art skills, but it will also help with other developmental tasks such as tying shoes, using utensils, or writing.
Cognitive Development
It is not only physical skills that children develop with art but mental ones too can be nurtured, such as memory, attention, and language skills. Engaging with art helps to stimulate observation and interpretation skills, as they strengthen pattern recognition and the relationship between parts of a whole.
Decision Making
Decisions are made every day, but some people have a difficult time making even the smallest of decisions. Art helps children to develop their decision-making skills as every colour, line, stroke, is a choice that they make. These experiences of making decisions carry over into other parts of life, helping them to be more confident in themselves.
Creativity
And of course art provides children with a platform to express themselves freely, encouraging them to think outside the box and explore new ideas. Through art, children learn to innovate, problem-solve, and approach challenges with an open mind, which are invaluable skills in other areas of life.
At Studio 48 we offer a variety of art classes designed to nurture creativity and encourage mental wellbeing in children. We create a supportive and inspiring environment where children can explore different art forms, experiment with various techniques, and unleash their imagination. Book a class with us today!