Exploring art with children

When thinking about exploring art with kids, the most important thing to remember is to allow a child's creativity to shine.

"Expressing yourself creatively through art is just as important as reading and writing and learning mathematical skills," said Heather Grocott of The Children's Workshop.

Children can be exposed to art in a variety of ways.

"Can visit art museums, we can take them to plays and local performances.  But also we can engage them in conversation about art. You know, 'what would you like to create today, how may you create that, what will you need?"

If your children bring home artwork, you can ask them about it, and start up a conversation.

"You can make a scrapbook of all of the artwork, and on the left side is the child's' art, on the right is what they're telling you about all the art. So, you have a record of what did I do today, why did I do it, what does this mean to me?" explained Grocott.

While taking part in a creative art project, children are working on a wide variety of skills.

"They are practicing fine motor skills, they're expressing themselves creatively, and they're appreciating art as a form. Whereas if there aim is just to create a product they're losing everything in between, they're just thinking about making something specific- rather than taking the time to practice other skills."

Set your children up for a creative environment.

"We want children to be exposed to a wide variety of materials, they have to have proper space and time just to be creative. And if they have a hard time with that, you know stop your day. You know put your cell phone down step away from your computer and spend time with your child and see what you can create together."

There are different types of art and different types of learners.

"There are children that are just as talented, they need to be able to express themselves kin-esthetically. Music and movement are really great ways to express themselves in those ways. Really engaging their interests and their needs. There are some children who need to go outside and dance to music. That's how they're expressing themselves in their own unique individual way."

According to the Rhode Island early learning standards, the arts provide children with a framework to express ideas and feelings.

Music, movement, drama, and visual arts help improve children's vocabulary and problem solving skills.