Introducing children to art

‘Every child is an artist.

The problem is how

To remain an artist

Once he grows up.’

Pablo Picasso, visual artist

The visual arts are two distinct activities, art making and art appreciation. The first is about expressing ideas while the latter is more about responding to art. Both are important ways of learning and should be supported and valued by us parents. Art educators say it's never too early to introduce kids to art through books, projects, and museum visits.

We can find artistic expressions everywhere, from illustrations in children’s books to images on calendars to decorative artwork displayed in homes, schools, and parks. Look for art and symbols in everyday life. Point out beautiful wall papers, mosaics, stop signs, and store windows, and discuss what the colors, shapes, and images tell us. Encourage your child to create a story by drawing, cutting, and gluing pictures and then have you guess what the story is. Early experiences with the visual arts foster important skills while providing a sense of joy and excitement that can last a lifetime.

Art appreciation begins with the simple yet common practice of telling stories to young children from book with illustrations. I remember story telling time with my 3 year old daughter. Those days there was a children’s magazine, Young Times, which was a weekly edition. I used to make different stories every day, with the illustrations in it, till the next edition comes.

For younger children, art is often more about the process of exploring

materials than about creating an end product. Exploration should be

valued for its contribution to self-expression and to learning. Simply saying, “Would you like to tell me about your art?” gives a child the freedom to talk about the work from his or her own point of view. It is important to respect the child’s motives, preferences, and aims. Parents should not force their children to do the type of art they like.

At home have your child sketch portraits or let them try their hand at landscapes by looking out a window, going into the backyard, or visiting a park. Kids feel they can't do art if they can't draw realistically. Drawing with them helps them see that it doesn't have to be perfect and that one image can be seen in lots of different ways.

It is important that children know and understand the importance of art in our world. Not only will they gain an appreciation for the work of others, but it will open their minds and allow them to create their own masterpieces.

Share and enjoy art with your children.