Making something themselves encourages children to see themselves as producers and not just consumers. On a large scale, it encourages them to think about how things are made and why someone would make them. During these activities, it gives them opportunities to experiment with colour and texture, and to see what happens when you mix materials.
A child can get a great sense of achievement completing a project, and while this should be encouraged, be wary of making them feel that they must always produce a product to be admired by adults. Try to choose projects that are within the child’s ability, or adapt them to suit. If they get frustrated by their results, remind them that real artists often practice for years and try lots of times before they achieve the result they are looking for.
Although it helps to have a range of materials ready, art activities do not always need to be planned or have a defined end result – see them as an experiment.
Art activities can develop the following:
- Fine motor skills and the pincer grip (when using pencils, brushes etc).
- Coordination eg, hold the paper with one hand and draw or cut with the other.
- Language – if encouraged to talk about what they are doing or seeing.
- Interest in how things are made and who makes them.
- Hand preference.
- Problem solving and flexibility – looking for an alternative method, or even alternative ingredient if the suggested one is not available.
- The satisfaction of producing, not consuming.
- Imagination and creativity.
- Awareness of colour, shape, size, texture and light.
- Understanding that symbols have meaning.
Self expression from art can be rewarding for children but please be wary of reading too much into their artworks. No amateur psychology allowed.
Templates
Our templates and activity ideas aim to help you make developing these skills fun and interesting. The templates have simple lines and shapes suitable for use with young children to use as a base for drawing, colouring, cutting and painting.
Children should be free to use or “misuse” them in any way they wish.
