Welcome Art Into Your Home
When we were children, our worlds were full of imagination. Whether we were constructing “castles” outside or making art in school, we got our fair share of creativity and fun. We didn’t have all the distractions that are now present. The internet, DVDs, video games and endless TV shows have been known to mute children’s thoughts and expressions. We also did not have to fight the budget cuts that are removing art from more schools every year. As we continue to embark on our mission to keep art alive in the classrooms, you can help keep art alive at home.
As alternative activities, we suggest creating a noncompetitive environment where your children can express themselves with art projects. These projects require focus and help children develop concentration skills. It’s an excellent solution to the distractions mentioned above. Not to mention the fact that it allows them to be creative, imaginative, and inventive. After all, art is the key to opening up a child’s mind. So here are some recommendations for an art-friendly home:
Create a story with art. Tell Dora the Explorer to take a hike and put Harry Potter back on the shelf. Instead, find a book of paintings to show your child before bed. Create a narrative about a work of art that explains the colors, shapes, and feelings that the work portrays. Encourage your child to think about those things when they create their own art.
Collaborate on an art project with your child. Not only will the bonding experience add quality time to your day, but it will also show your child grown ups are still learning and see the world from their own unique perspective.
Set up a specific area of the house that can be used as an art corner or studio, even if it is one end of the kitchen table. This way, the child knows that they have a special place to go where it is okay to be creative with markers, paint, clay, and more. Not to mention, it should save you from discovering a mural in your hallway.
Art is more than just markers and crayons. Provide your child with “real” art supplies like oils, pastels, and watercolors. They’ll make a wonderful addition to your collection of art supplies and broaden their artistic horizons.
Set-up a still-life scene with objects from your child’s day-to-day life and encourage them to recreate it on canvas or construction paper. Begin in pencil, discuss shapes as you go and layer other media like paint or glitter to add color and texture. Example?
Fight the urge to say very nice. When your child finishes a piece of artwork, pick out something very specific you like about the creation. Comment on a color choice, use of perspective, a unique subject or some other defining characteristics to encourage conversation. as“”
Look for art in the world and share what you find appealing with your child. It will inspire them to embark on a similar journey and let them know that art is more than an activity; it’s an essential part of life.
