The Importance of Art in a Child’s Early Learning Experience

While many parents view art as a hobby for children, it can actually be essential to a child’s early education. Art helps support free play in children, allowing them unrestricted exploration and experimentation that are both fun and educational. Creative Childcare discusses the benefits of incorporating art in creative childcare in Australia.

Why Art in Learning?

• Mental Development. Creative activities encourage children to learn about the different shapes, colours and textures. Arts can also start their numeracy development by teaching them about basic counting and measuring in a fun way.counting. As children describe their artworks and the process behind it, they develop their language skills. You can encourage this at home by actively listening to them explain and asking open-ended questions. Use this time to teach them new vocabulary words that are related to their projects like texture and hue.

• Physical Development. Cutting or tearing paper, holding a brush and colouring a canvas helps develop your child’s fine motor skills. Through art, your child is able to achieve different developmental milestones in a relaxed and fun environment. Drawing with the proper pencil grip at an early age will benefit them greatly when they are learning to write.

• Creative and Cognitive Development. Children learn to express their ideas and imagination through art. It encourages them to experiment with unknown materials and use new methods and techniques to achieve their desired effect. This helps boost their self confidence and decision-making skills in the future. Art also allows children to learn and practice various skills like patterning and cause and effect, as well as critical thinking.

Inspiring Creativity

Include art and crafts session as part of childcare in Australia and encourage your child to explore the arts by giving them a space where they can make a mess. Simply lay out old rags and sheets on the floor and allow them to make use of the space however they wish. It’s also important to not give your child direction. Don’t tell them what to make and how to make it, instead, encourage them to experiment with colours and materials.

You can also ask your child about their process. One way to encourage conversation and let them talk about their art is to ask them questions like “Did you have fun making it?” or “Tell me about what you made”.

Creative Childcare is one of the leading childcare centres in Australia. We create safe spaces for children to grow, develop and reach their full potential. Get in touch with us today to learn more.