How to Encourage Artistic Development in Kids

Are you looking for ways How to Encourage Artistic Development in Kids? Check out these great tips to help you!

How to Encourage Artistic Development in Kids

Every parent with a child in school possesses various sketches, artworks, and pasta mosaics, prominently displayed above their workspace or adorning their fridge. We treasure these creations irrespective of their real artistic value. However, it’s worth noting that some children display an extraordinary talent for color and arrangement, coupled with an impressive volume of work.

Visit an Art Museum, Gallery, or Studio

Consider planning your visit to an art museum, gallery, or studio during quieter times to avoid the rush. There’s no need to spend an extended period appreciating a single masterpiece – you might find it beneficial to go on days when admission is free so there’s no obligation to see everything due to cost concerns.

Select an exhibit that you believe would captivate your child’s interest, like the kinetic sculptures of Calder or the vibrant glassworks by Chihuly. Seek their opinion: at this point in their lives, they may have specific preferences, such as a fascination for cartoon art museums or touring anime exhibitions. 

Equip them with pencils and a drawing pad, encouraging them to sketch something that piques their curiosity. This activity not only keeps them engaged but also nurtures their artistic development.

Allow for Mistakes to Occur

Nurturing artistic growth in children often involves embracing the unexpected. Encourage your child to venture out of their comfort zone. Reassure them it’s perfectly okay not to get everything right on the first try. Children, by nature, can be hesitant to experiment with their work, mainly due to fear of failure.

Whether your child is an occasional doodler or a budding artist, they may be vulnerable to criticism and crave validation. Remind those who strive for flawlessness that the journey of discovery is the essence of creativity.

If your child seeks your approval for their artwork by asking, “Do you like my drawing?” consider reframing the question back to them: “What do you think about it, sweetheart?” This can lead to insightful conversations. More often than not, children appreciate their creations, so it’s vital to reinforce that their opinion matters the most.

Make Some Music

Encouraging artistic development in children can be as simple as enabling them to create their music using everyday household items. Kids naturally gravitate towards producing sounds, and music schools like South Shore Piano School believe in nurturing this instinct. 

For instance, children can transform ordinary pots, pans, or even their toys into makeshift musical instruments. A flipped Tupperware can serve as a basic drum set. These fun, creative exercises stimulate your child’s musical prowess and foster artistic growth.

Incorporate Art Projects into Your Daily Routine

Integrating art activities into your child’s daily life can stimulate their artistic potential. When you’re at a playground, consider carrying chalk for your child to sketch and express their creativity when they’ve had enough of the swings.

During your strolls on the beach or through the woods, encourage your child to gather interesting objects that catch their eye. These can be transformed into imaginative collages or sculptures once you’re back home, enhancing your appreciation for natural materials. While on outdoor adventures, seize the opportunity to create together, from paintings in the sand to sculptures made from stones and sticks.

Complement What’s Happening At School

Perhaps your child’s school is not offering the most stimulating art education, or perhaps, due to financial constraints, they’ve completely eliminated art classes. However, you can step in to bridge this artistic gap.

Consider enrolling your child in extracurricular classes after school or during weekends. These could range from jewelry making, puppet creation, cartoon design, drawing, and painting, to working with various materials like wood, clay, or wire. Often, local libraries offer these programs for children at little to no cost. This way, you can foster your child’s artistic development outside their regular school curriculum.

Endnote

Encouraging artistic development in kids doesn’t have to be a challenging task. With a little guidance, patience, and creativity, parents can help foster an environment that allows children to express themselves through art.