SHOWCASE MAGAZINE | 2018
Step Up and Ask
Look for programs that emphav-
size process over product. Any
legitimate arts teacher will be
happy to talk to the parent of a
prospective student. Ask instruc-
tors about their philosophy of
teaching and method for moti-
vating kids when the going gets
rough. You’ll be able to gauge if
their teaching style will mesh well
with your child’s learning style.
Be wary of instructors who urge
expensive equipment
or insist on a “package”
at the start, but recog-
nize that start-up costs
are often essential and
unavoidable. For exam-
ple, a beginning ballet
student needs shoes,
tights, and a leotard. A
budding violinist needs
a violin. A legitimate
instructor will have a
reasonable list of equip-
ment and recommenda-
tions as to used and/or discount
providers.
exhibitions. When a child glances
at the audience, she wants to see
mom or dad. And be sure to pack
the camera and a hanky!
EARLY ARTS: WHAT IT
MEANS AND HOW TO
ENCOURAGE IT
Mom and sons finger painting-
Toddlerhood provides a valuable
window of opportunity for kids to
learn and develop the skills they
need to succeed in life. Early lit-
eracy doesn’t just revolve around
“
op the skills they need to succeed
in life. Early literacy doesn’t just
revolve around teaching children
how to recite letters, read, and
count – art can have a profound
affect on their literacy, and devel-
opment as well.
The importance of exposing kids
to art early in life is often under-
valued. But giving young children
an appreciation for art encour-
ages exploration, self expression,
logical thinking, self-es-
teem, imagination,
and creativity. Early art
experiences also teach
kids to think openly,
create new meaning, be
more tolerant of others’
differences, and gives
them the courage to
take risks. Here’s how to
encourage art apprecia-
tion in your young child,
and make the most out
of those crucial learning
years.
...giving young chil-
dren an appreciation
for art encourages
exploration, self-ex-
pression, self-esteem,
imagination and creativity.
Your Commitment
When an instructor feels like a
good “fit,” talk practicalities like
cost, lesson frequency, class size,
and location. Finally, assess your
own level of commitment. Make
sure that you can reliably get
your child to lessons as planned,
on time, and ready to work. Your
child may well evaluate the status
of his new arts project by your
commitment to the process.
Participate at a level that supports
your child and his development—
but give your child room to ex-
plore individually. Make cookies
for the piano recital, stitch cos-
tumes for the school play, make
practice time a regular part of
the day instead of a daily power
struggle. Most importantly, attend
all performances, recitals, and
teaching children how to recite
letters, read, and count – art can
have a profound affect on their
literacy, and development as well.
The importance of exposing kids
to art early in life is often under-
valued. But giving young children
an appreciation for art encour-
ages exploration, self expression,
logical thinking, self-esteem,
imagination, and creativity. Early
art experiences also teach kids to
think openly, create new mean-
ing, be more tolerant of others’
differences, and gives them the
courage to take risks. Here’s how
to encourage art appreciation in
your young child, and make the
most out of those crucial learning
years.
fingerpaintingToddlerhood pro-
vides a valuable window of oppor-
tunity for kids to learn and devel-
26
Provide Creative Materials
“Toddlers thrive when they
create, experiment, and discover
things they enjoy,” says daycare
owner Camilla Brown. This is why
giving them access to open-end-
ed art materials is important. Art
materials in the home should be
varied and abundant. Some of
these materials can include:
After each art project, encour-
age your toddler to explore his
creation in depth by making
open-ended comments such as,
“Tell me about your painting.”
Remember, it’s the process of
creating art that young children
learn from, not the end product.
So no matter how tempting, never
criticize or judge your toddler’s
artwork.