Why Art Is Essential in Learning

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By Dawn Jackson, M.Ed

What is art? Is it merely an opportunity for your child to view life from a new perspective, or is it just another mess that ends up needing cleanup by the end of the day?

As a homeschool mom of three, I’ve experienced my fair share of creative chaos. I recall the vibrant murals we painted on the kitchen wall, featuring the animals we were studying. We made homemade playdough and amassed a collection of rubber stamps to craft beautiful art and cards for our loved ones. I initially saw these activities as simply fun and a way for my own artistic brain to alleviate the daily overwhelm. However, I soon realized the profound impact these art activities were having on my children, nurturing their innate curiosity and need for play.

I was driven to achieve homeschooling perfection, striving for the best curriculum and ensuring they learned everything necessary for life. Yet, what I discovered from our art days was far more valuable than I had ever imagined.

The benefits of art play are so remarkable and extensive that it’s challenging to capture them all in words. For instance, observe the magic that happens when paint hits paper. Add a spritz of water from a spray bottle and watch it blend and flow. If you're feeling adventurous, hand them a straw and let them blow paint into wiggly lines. Once it dries, they can go back and add eyes, features, and bodies to create their own creatures. The result? Curiosity takes flight, invention soars, and spontaneity is embraced. What lessons are unfolding here?

As a teacher and coach, I remind myself of the objectives behind the art activities I present. What can children gain from these enriching experiences? How can art teach them to perceive the world around them differently?

I’ve utilized art in various ways with children: as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression, a medium for spontaneous play, a means to tell stories, a way to explore the perspectives of master artists, or simply as a relaxing activity. Art is a beautiful gift from our Creator, the greatest artist of all, enabling us to view the world through fresh lenses. These are the valuable lessons children can gain from their art experiences.

Yes, art can be messy, and it requires thinking outside the box to gather the right supplies and set aside any self-doubt about creativity. I encourage parents to provide a wide array of fun materials for their children to explore—different papers, grocery bags, old books, journals, paints, oil pastels, and chalk. Each texture presents a unique challenge and learning opportunity. Through art, you can gain insights into how your child thinks, feels, and approaches new experiences, perhaps discovering a budding artist you never knew existed.

The most rewarding aspect of creating art with your child is the joy it brings to your heart as you reconnect with your inner child. When your child hears the joy in your laughter, they’ll feel inspired to join in the fun. Maybe today is the perfect day to start a new routine of daily art creation. Step outside and remember to bring along that box of chalk. Enjoy the process!

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