How Important Is Art For Children’s Development?

You probably already know that art is a great way to deal with anxiety and stress in children. But did you know that it also has a positive impact on their cognitive and physical development? Read here to find out the importance of art for children’s development!

Art plays a bigger and more important role in children’s development than you think. Artistic activities help children learn other subjects such as reading and math. They also promote visual, motor and social development.

By using art as a means of expression for children, one can also use it as a tool for better communication. Different types of art can reveal children’s thoughts, feelings and interests.

Lina Idárraga, a teacher and specialist in children’s visual arts, believes that art allows children to express their emotions. Art can also be beneficial for people with disabilities.

Idárraga believes that children communicate ideas and emotions through music, dance and the body. If the adults know how to understand this language, they will become better at understanding the inner world of children.

Psychologists also believe that art is beneficial for all ages. Nevertheless, childhood is the ideal stage to teach children all the different artistic disciplines. This is because their brain is almost like a sponge that can absorb information much more easily while they are young.

The importance of art for children’s development

1. Music

Playing music or listening to it helps children develop their intellectual, auditory, sensory, speech and motor skills.

The language of music is universal, and young children who grow up listening to music learn to get along better with other children and can relax. Music also stimulates the ability to listen and the emotional intelligence.

Children’s music is also a great tool to learn with. Rhythm and repetition along with the movements of the hands are a fun way for children to expand their vocabulary and become better at understanding the meaning of words.

Singing songs with babies and listening to music with them will not only lead to changes on a physiological level, but it will also promote a stronger emotional bond with the parents.

2. Literature

Educational psychologists specializing in early childhood education agree that it is difficult to develop reading skills as an adult. In general, it is only possible to make them want to read during their childhood.

Reading to children is one of the most enriching experiences in the world. It helps them develop cognitive skills such as memory, language and imagination.

Children experience an incredible world in the books. By sharing stories and books with children from a very early age, one can make them see it as a kind of entertainment, not homework. It makes it easier for them to incorporate books into their play and leisure later on.

Whether children start reading in school or not, this ability must be strengthened at home in order to be fully developed. While reading with your children, you also strengthen your bond with them.

3. Draw or paint

Drawing or painting are two very valuable activities. Among other things, it helps them to develop fine motor skills, writing, reading, creativity and promote their self-esteem.

Not only that, but drawing or painting are great ways for children to express their feelings and emotions. And as if that were not enough, it also plays a significant role in the development of their personality and physical maturity.

If you want to promote a natural creativity, experts recommend that you give children the opportunity to draw and paint freely. In this way, the child can unleash the imagination and create his own expression. Give them materials such as pencils, clay, finger paint and watercolors. Let them experiment on blackboards, cardboard, canvas and even a wall.

4. Theater is an important type of art for children’s development

Getting involved in theater can help children learn important values ​​such as respect and tolerance. Children’s theater play allows them to put themselves in the shoes of others and play roles that are very far from themselves. They thus learn to identify with the role by living into it. It helps them become more open and empathetic.

Theater can also open a door to imagination and creativity.

5. Expression with the body

Movements and expressions through the body positively affect their physical development and health. Children learn to act with confidence and maintain their flexibility and natural ability to move, run and jump. It also helps them to be able to keep the balance, have good coordination and control over the body.

In addition to these physical characteristics, expression with the body through movement can be good for their emotional intelligence. It also has a positive impact on their social and creative skills.

Conclusion on the importance of art for children’s development

Using art promotes children’s development and allows them to express themselves in the way they like best. If you have a little one at home, then the best thing you can do is encourage them to be artistic.