Encouraging Children in the Arts Can be a Gift of a Lifetime
Using art to stimulate and encourage personal growth in
children
Who doesn’t feel a few inches taller walking through the National Gallery
of Art in Washington D.C? Unfortunately not everyone enjoys looking at the grandiose statues and portrait paintings in the gallery.
I’m referring to children, who most likely would rather be doing anything but walking boring hallways looking at pictures that have no
useful meaning. It is very important to know how to encourage children in the arts at a young age. This article will suggest a few forms of art
which can be offered as a way to spark interest in a young child.
The Art of Music
Music stimulates the sense of hearing. Listen to music with your children at an early
age. Never play music too loud as this can damage the child’s ear drums and cause permanent damage. Expose them to a range
of styles such as classical music. The more they listen to the music, the more they will be trained to hear the various musical instruments
such as wind pipes, violins, and piano.
As a child progresses in age, take time to observe which styles of music and which instruments appear to grab the
child’s interest. If for example, the child is drawn to the piano or guitar, find out if she/he would like to learn that instrument. If they
are interested, purchase a standard quality instrument and enroll the child in some lessons. If the child shows a true and steady
commitment to the music, then purchase a better quality instrument for them as a gift when appropriate.
The Art of Painting
Painting can stimulate sight and touch. Start with finger paints. Finger paints are a
fun and creative way to help a child express their creativity. As the child progresses in years expand into other areas such as watercolors
and acrylics. Purchase some books or videos, or even better yet, enroll the child into a children’s art class. If the child does not
show an interest in pursuing this style of art, it may be best to see what other interests they may have. It is never productive to force a child
into the arts if they are completely opposed to it. This does not mean not to try it, but if after adequate time and exposure the child is
still not interested, it is best to try something else.
The Art of Cooking
Cooking can stimulate taste and smell. More and more kids are finding an interest
in cooking. A big thanks can go to television networks such as The Food Network, which often try to involve the younger generations in the
culinary arts. Cooking is a great way to help kids of any age get away from the stresses of the world. Anthony Bourdain is a good example
of a troubled teen who found refuge inside the 4 walls of a chef’s kitchen and discovered a passion for cooking which kept him off
the streets, and led him into a world of success.
Cooking with children offers a wonderful way to encourage and strengthen their self image and confidence. The proud
look on a child’s face who has just tasted the fruits of their own cooking is a look hard to forget. They have an instant gratification
and can feel good about themselves and with what they have created.
The Art of Giving
One of the best skills a child can be taught is the act of giving. By learning to give
to others at an early age, they will be less likely to inherit traits of pure selfishness and greediness. One way to help a child take enjoyment
in the act of giving, is to use their talents and works of art as part of a gift. If a child is interested in music, they can write a song as a gift. If
a child is learning to paint, they can create their own birthday cards or posters and other works of art. If the child is learning how to cook,
try creating various foods which can be neatly wrapped together as a gift basket. For example, if the child has
learned to make their own Italian pasta
sauce, they can create Italian Christmas
gift baskets. These are great gifts for proud grandparents and can include their own sauce (must be properly sealed and stored), dried
pasta, Italian cheese and some olives. Art is a gift we can offer our children.
Whether they choose to pursue a particular field of art is their choice. In the meantime, we need to do what we can… while we can.
Do your part and pass on the gift of art.
Author Bio – Elizabeth Krause enjoys lives in Virginia with her husband. She
enjoys cooking and is a firm believer in the importance of involving children with the arts at an early age. She owns and operates her own
website www.simpleitaliancooking.com where she posts easy pasta dishes for the public.
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