For some children, art can be a challenging process. While some children find it easy to experiment with materials, others may struggle at cutting, gluing, coloring, etc., and may shy away from the creative process. Other children may simply have little interest and prefer to engage in reading or use manipulative materials, such as puzzles or build with blocks.
Experiences in art are important in your child’s early development, as he or she learns about the world through touching and exploring materials to problem solving and trying out ways to make things work. For example, hands- on art activities such as rolling Play-Doh and making hand prints in paint provide young children the opportunity to learn directly how things change and observe cause and effect.
The good news is that your child has probably already had some hands- on art experiences in a preschool, but as a parent, you may be asking “What can we do at home?” or “How can I get my child interested in art?”
The answers don’t have to be difficult ones. There is an easy way to do art at home using things that you already have around the house, such as cotton balls, old newspaper, cardboard boxes, empty toilet paper rolls, old shoe boxes, tissue paper and the like.
You can create new things from these materials and it is completely free. Whenever you have free time, or the weather prohibits outdoor play, consider engaging in some art. Your child can recreate just about anything from other materials, including dinosaurs, cars, planters, a home for dolls, or anything else that suits his or her interests.
It may take some time to gather materials, but you can make that an exciting adventure. Allow your child to cut up old clothing, search for buttons, or any other materials that he or she wants to use. Reusing materials gives your child free reign to create without any expectations; whatever is created is a product of self expression. There are no rules, so your child will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in what was created.
This time can also be fun and rewarding as you deconstruct and work together. Depending on your child’s skill, you can assist as needed, helping your child to feel successful. Remember: the process of creating is more important than the actual end result. Enjoy it.
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