Article - Art and Craft

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 the activities, it gives them opportunities to experiment with colour and texture, 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. 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.
• Self-esteem by producing, not consuming.
• Imagination and creativity.
• Awareness of colour, shapes, size and texture.
• Awareness and understanding that symbols have meaning.
• Self expression and emotional outlets.

Self expression from art can be rewarding for children but please be wary of reading too much into their artworks.

Templates

By using our templates and activity ideas you can make developing these skills fun and interesting. All of our 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.

Ideas for Activities

• Body Painting - Develops the senses.
• Butterfly Painting - Develops fine motor and cognitive skills.
• Chinese Hats - Develops fine motor skills and is a multicultural activity.
• Decorative Necklaces - Develops fine motor skills and is a multicultural activity.
• Paper Plate Shakers - Develops fine motor skills and is a multicultural activity.
• Vegetable Printing - Develops fine motor skills and creativity.

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