Visual art allows your child to explore the world without having to actually create an art piece herself; this is because visual art can be seen throughout your child’s environment (e.g. a sculpture or a fountain).
When your child is able to explore visual art using a variety of different mediums—such as paint, play dough, canvas, oil pants, and watercolors—it enables her to develop both the right and left side of the brain by teaching perceptual, cognitive, and discrimination skills that will aid with reading ability and expand gross motor (large muscle) and fine motor (small muscle) skills!
Parents are role models for their children and the development of their visual art skills. Participate in art with your child and make materials readily accessible. Materials can include some of the mediums discussed above; in addition to these, set up a dedicated space within your home.
When your child creates art, take a moment to discuss her creation together. Talk about the colors that were used. This will provide a supportive environment in which your child can take a moment and reflect on her work.
Create a space to display her work. This will make her feel confident and build her self-esteem.
Engaging in visual arts when your child is young can nurture the creative spirit.
Four year olds who are exposed to a wide variety of arts and crafts are more likely to create unique inventions that are patent worthy, come up with ideas that start companies, or publish papers and books on science and technology. Many problem-solving situations require creative solutions. When you support your child in visual arts, you are supporting her ability to be creative and think “outside the box.”
Engaging in creating and appreciating visual arts is both fun and educational.
