Developing Social Skills with Art
Art-oriented activities are fun for young children and are a good way to encourage creativity and assist with the development of fine motor skills and spatial awareness. However, new research has shown that being involved in the arts is also beneficial for social and emotional development. It enables children to play with materials, express their thinking, problem-solve, and make sense of their emotions.
Joining art classes is a fantastic way of enhancing a child’s social skills, development, education, and creativity. Visual arts give young people not only the opportunity to express and explore who they are but also offer a space where they can develop social skills in a safe and friendly atmosphere. Engaging in creative pursuits like drawing and painting gives children the opportunity to express their feelings in a meaningful, tangible, and positive way. Their imaginative powers take a concrete shape when thoughts transform either into the form of a painting or drawing. They also derive satisfaction from making something on their own. Children are effective communicators and through the creative arts, children learn to make meaning and freely express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Drawing also acts as a powerful way for caregivers to understand how a child is feeling. Children get a lot out of engaging with creative activities. They can express their ideas and grow comfortable and confident with a wide variety of materials and modes of expression. Art classes allow students to explore different technical aspects of developing skills and experimenting while learning how to deal with a wide range of materials including clay, various color mediums, types of papers, ink, brush, and a lot more. We also know that art can be therapeutic for many children, helping them with stress relief, controlling anger issues, and the ability to manage difficult emotions. Moreover, if used properly, art can be incredibly useful in promoting social skills, or strategies for engaging with other people in meaningful and productive ways. When children in classes make art together or engage in creative processes together, it’s a natural form of empathy-building because they are doing something together, mirroring each other and celebrating each other’s artistic practice.
Researchers tell us that not only do children who participate in arts programming over an extended period of time show more sophisticated social skills such as sharing and cooperation, but also show reduced shyness and anxiety and reduced aggressive behavior. Teaching kids social and emotional skills are getting renewed attention, and joining art and crafts classes is a good way to do that.
Get enrolled in our fine art classes now and help your child in the effective development of his/her social skills.
