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Can you draw a straight
line? Most adults don’t consider themselves artistic. Parents do, however,
worry about their toddler’s art abilities. As a child care provider for the
past 10 years, I’ve had many discussions with parents about ‘how their
toddler is doing’ as far as getting ready for preschool or kindergarten.
They worry a lot about the final product of their toddler’s art projects. I
try to explain to them that art is not just knowing how to draw a flower or
a puppy, or whether or not little Jason colors in the lines. Little kids
need to experience self-expression and the ‘doing of art’ more than having a
page from a coloring book to hang on the refrigerator.
When a two-year old puts his chubby little hand in a tub of finger paint and
happily smears all of the colors together on the paper or when he makes yet
another ‘snowman’ out of play-doh, he’s creating. Granted, he will certainly
tell you that his painting is his dad’s truck even though you ‘just can’t
see it.’ The important thing to remember is that by allowing our little kids
to experience art in their own way, we let them show us how they see the
world around them, how they feel and think.
I always enjoy art time with my toddler and preschool age groups. Yeah, they
can make a mess, but they just wiggle with excitement when I take out the
‘arts & crafts’ tub of supplies! Having been a military wife and lived in a
few different places, I’ve always returned to providing home day care. As a
result, I’ve had to make do with whatever space I can find in the various
homes we’ve lived in. There’s not always a lot of room, but art can take
place just about anywhere. I’ve found that the activity is most effective
when it’s pre-planned and when I’ve set goals for the activity.
Art is important for toddlers because of the way it makes little kids feel
special and good about themselves. When your toddler finishes a magazine
cut-out collage and holds up his masterpiece to you with that beaming smile
doesn’t that make you feel good about both of you? Through creating simple
art projects, that same toddler is not only learning to take pride in his
accomplishments, but also to think and refine his hand-eye coordination and
physical skills. Through art, children learn to identify colors,
cause-and-effect, shapes, problem solving, sharing and cooperation among
many other skills.
Parents must remember to ask toddlers or preschoolers questions about their
projects that will make them think about what they’ve made rather than ask
them ‘What is that?’ For example, ‘C.J., tell Mommy about your painting.’
C.J will start to talk about his work or anything else he feels important at
the time! This also shows your child that you are interested in what he
thinks and aren’t’ just confused about what you see! Make sure to hang the
art work up in a prominent place in your home so the entire family can enjoy
it.
Art experiences are a major part of a toddler’s daily activities. They have
grown enough to grasp objects and tear paper and hold crayons and brushes.
Naturally they are thrilled with the anticipation of a new art project, and
most importantly, with the quality time spent with the important adults in
his/her life.
Article by:
About the author: About
the author: Sherry Frewerd publishes 'Family Play and Learn'
familyplayandlearn.com a play and learning activity website for toddler
and preschool age children. |
