Why is art so important for kids?

There is an important link between taking artistic courses like visual art in middle school, and getting better grades – according to a March 2019 study by researchers at George Mason University. Art is a powerful way for children to connect with their inner world, but also to express emotions and thoughts that are sometimes too complex to put into words. If you are keen on helping our child enter into the magical place known as ‘the Zone’ – one in which they become lost in creativity for various minutes or hours straight, make sure to make ‘fun’ the number one priority. This, say researchers, is arguably the most vital element when it comes to introducing any child to an activity without making it seem like a chore.

Core Subjects Currently being Blended with Art
Another 2019 study by scientists at John Hopkins University found that incorporating the arts – including drawing, dancing, and rapping – into science classes helped children retain more knowledge and encourages creativity in their learning. If your child loves making calculations or studying the different life cycles of insects or toads, encourage them to find inspiration in these subjects to create their next art work. Introduce your children to works of art that have incorporated other subjects. For instance, Simon Beck is a famous mapmaker who is equally known for his ‘snow art’. Using only a compass and snowshoes, he makes mathematical formations such as a Sierpinski triangle or a Koch snowflake. Beck loves the formulaic nature of this type of art because all you need to do to create works of such stunning beauty, is follow a few mathematical rules.

Start with the Basics
Most children are attracted to the natural world around them – which is good reason why so many begin their passion for art by drawing simple shapes like the moon, sun, sky, flowers, and sea. Use a simple online tutorial to learn a few basics of proportion, perspective, shade and light etc., then teach your child what you have learned, drawing alongside you so they feel accompanied and entertained. The important thing is for all kids – both gifted artists and those who find ideas like perspective harder to reproduce – to think of drawing as a fun, zero-pressure activity that they can enjoy while having 100% of your attention.

Theme Your Drawing Sessions
Most kids have one hobby or ‘magnificent obsession’ they will enjoy drawing, painting, or sculpting. Your child’s ‘flavour of the month’ could be Roblox, Minecraft, or unicorns. Whatever it is, make sure they have the colors, materials, and images they need to create artworks that represent their love for their favorite theme. For unicorn inspired work, for instance, have plenty of pastel crayons or paints on-hand, as well as glitter, glue, and sequins. For Roblox, pick a few key characters (alongside your child) that you can draw or paint together. Kids love painting subjects that are ‘in’, and eve bringing it to class afterwards to show their friends.

Children and adults alike can receive major benefits from art, with studies carried out just this year showing an important link between artistic creation and academic performance. Artistic creation has far greater benefits, however – including its ability to bring parents and children together and encourage communication. The next time your little Picasso creates a new work, ask them to explain it as best they can. You could discover something magical about them you never knew before.

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