There is a growing focus in schools toward math, science, and reading; and while the arts may be taking a hit, having a strong art education for early learning is none the less important. At The Pillars Christian Learning Center, our focus is early childhood development, including all areas of education. Singing, playing musical instruments, and getting our hands dirty with finger paints, we understand the importance of having art in your youngster’s lives. Here are just a few reasons why we think having an arts focus is important at our child care center.
Motor Skills
Many arts activities are incredibly hands-on, giving your children an opportunity to improve their dexterity and fine motor skills. Developmental milestones for age three include being able to draw a circle and begin to safely use scissors. By age four, children will begin to learn how to draw a square and use scissors to cut straight lines. Skills they learn from holding a paintbrush or crayon as well as holding and using scissors are motor skills that will help when they learn how to write.
Language Development
Making art as well as talking about it are essential for early learning. When children’s learning centers provide opportunities to make art, children will learn about shapes, colors, and actions. Even simple activities such as crumpling up a piece of paper and calling it a ball will promote learning and kids will love it. As children grow older, they will have the vocabulary necessary to be able to talk about their own creations and feelings when they see different styles of art.
Visual Learning
Children now are developing visual-spatial skills in many different ways. Toddlers who know how to operate a smartphone or tablet will recognize pictures of three-dimensional objects from online, books, and television. But it’s important not to forget about real life visual-spatial experiences. Drawing, sculpting with clay, or threading beads on a string all give children experiences with both 2D and 3D.
Imagination and Inventiveness
However children choose to participate in the arts, or opportunities that are provided them, they are constantly growing and improving their imagination. Through a strong imagination, children will be able to express themselves and begin to take risks through their art. Throughout this process, children are also gaining knowledge and experience about being inventive, thinking, and making things better.
Perseverance
A skill or characteristic that can’t necessarily be taught with a traditional education, an education in the arts gives students an opportunity to be challenged. Learning how to draw, paint a picture, or hit the right notes on an instrument is challenging and can be frustrating when it isn’t perfect the first time. Kids who understand that art can be a process and that it can take a lot of effort, but who also realize that the effort can result in a beautiful painting is a lesson well worth the struggle.
The arts is a facet of early childhood development that can be overlooked but has immense benefits for children with the right tools and support. Our child care center wants to give your children a well-rounded education that builds a path for future educational success. To learn more about our learning center’s programs, give us a call today.