What Is The Importance Of Arts and Crafts For Children?

Arts and crafts constitute a big part of a child’s early life. From the moment a child begins schooling they are introduced to art. The very first scribbles on paper are actually considered art. Whether it be a hand- printed bird or a little lion made of paper scraps, That is the very first thing our teachers make us do. In fact, art is innate to human beings. Researchers trace drawings of the prehistoric era, and we know now that art in some form or other has always been around. In our modern day world, if you give a pencil and paper to a toddler you’ll notice that their scribbles and doodles are mostly shapes rather than any letters or numbers. Then why is it that as we grow older the importance of art fades? Why do we assume that it is not an important subject to be pursued or explored in middle school or high school?

We may not be able to find the correct answer for these questions, but surely try and understand that art as a form of expression has great meaning in the lives of young students. Let’s look at reasons why it should not be left into the background or limited to preschool classes alone.

Art and Motor Skills

Art and craft is of great importance when it comes to developing motor skills. When kids use their fingers to use art materials, they are developing their fine motor skills. It helps them develop and master control of the muscles in their hands and fingers. Their bilateral coordination skills improve as they learn to use both hands at the same time. And when they paint, colour or use glue and scissors to cut, they stretch their motor skills enabling their minds to coordinate more complicated activities too; activities like eating by themselves or tying their own shoelaces. So, art and craft helps children develop their fine motor skills at the grassroot level.

Self-Expression Through Art

As a child grows older and the emotional intelligence expands, art in their life will take on a whole new role. Because what is art but expression? It is very important for children to learn how to properly express their emotions in a healthy way. Failure to do so results in them piling up their emotions until they get crushed under the pressure and it comes out resulting in anger and temper tantrums. A young child does not know how to convey feelings through vocabulary which is still yet to develop completely, therefore art is the best way of self-expression. For example, scribbling or doodling on paper is a healthy way to relieve pent up frustration or anger.

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Art and Imagination

Art also broadens the scope of the child’s imagination. Imagination occupies a foremost place in the mental development of a child. What differentiates human beings from other species is their ability to imagine, speculate, and express a sense of awe. Art awakens these senses and helps them grow as individuals. According to the International Child Art Foundation, “Research indicates that a child who is exposed to the arts acquires a special ability to think creatively, be original, discover, innovate, and create intellectual property—key attributes for individual success and social prosperity in the twenty-first century.”

Art and Creativity

Art encourages children to push the limits of their imagination and develop it in a stronger, better way. Imagination and creativity go hand in hand. While you imagine in your mind, your creativity is put to test when you express it. Expression through creativity helps young children to understand themselves. In a very soothing manner it helps them to express, understand and accept their innermost feelings and emotions.

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Art and Life Skills

Art not only helps students in the creative and imaginative aspect of their lives, but also in the practical aspects. A creative activity like practising art and craft forces them to think ahead, map-out their course of action and also teaches them how to make do with limited resources. It helps them strengthen their problem-solving skills, and encourages them to think critically before making decisions in life, something essential in the course of creating art. Through art, they learn to apply these skills in their life.

So know as you know why art and craft is intrinsic to the development of a child in their formative years, here are artistic activities that young children can do by themselves to stimulate their mental and physiological faculties:

1. Painting- It may seem obvious and common that painting is the best way for children of all ages to express themselves. Allow your kids to play with colours and make a mess, teenagers too can express repressed emotions through painting. An hour of painting can boost creativity, imagination, self-expression and above all, it is super fun!

2. Best Out of Waste: Show them how you can make something useful using only useless products like old newspapers, pencil shavings, plastic bottles. It teaches students waste management as well as teaches them to use what limited resources they have to create something meaningful.

3. Origami: Also called paper folding, this art form is all about folding paper and making two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms. Not only does folding the paper in simple as well as complicated ways help develop their fine motor skills, it stimulates young minds and instils patience and perseverance.

4. Doodling: It is a great way to pass time and refrain the brain from being idle for too long. It prevents children from becoming lazy and sluggish during free time. Psychological studies also show that doodling helps in relieving anxiety and stress.

5. Knitting: Knitting is a great and productive way to relieve stress. It improves concentration, foresight and perseverance. This is an activity that children as well as adults can enjoy together and can prove to be a fun bonding experience too!

Now that you have an in depth knowledge of why art is an important aspect of life, more so for students, encourage young students and teenagers to pick up a hobby or spend some time pursuing this wonderful, creative and relaxing activity.

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