Importance of Art and Craft in early education of a child

Young minds are very dynamic and active at the same time. Their imagination knows no boundaries, and their curious little minds are always trying to seek answers to their questions. Indulging the kids into art and craft activities has its own benefits, channelling creativity and love for art , to name a few. Be it drawing and colouring on paper or simple paper folding craft, kids love to get involved and create something beautiful. By introducing arts and crafts to the kids and involving them in such activities in schools, one will invest in building their cognitive, physical, and social development. Some major benefits of art and craft in early stages of child growth are

A new hobby in arsenal
Not every child is the same. Some like to sing and dance, while some like to play sports. But who says one can’t have multiple hobbies? Indulging young minds into art and craft gives them a new hobby to while their free time away.

Creating something with their own hands
When one starts creating something, the end result is always so satisfying! Be it cooking a dish, stitching a dress or even building some furniture. The feeling of achievement, that one has made something so beautiful with their own hands is priceless. Same is the case with these young minds. How many times have we seen children running to us to show us their paper craft or drawings ? Always, isnt it? When we appreciate them for their work, they get motivated to do that more and more. Art and Craft activities always emphasizes creativity in children, and it’s beautiful that they feel like they have achieved something.

Hand-eye coordination
When a child learns to draw, he/she first learns to observe things in and around. After that they try to replicate the same on a paper. This builds strong observation skills in them and and also hand-eye coordination. Slowly when this coordination improves, the results get better.

Decision making skills
We all are choosy when it comes to picking the right outfit for an occasion. Why? Who doesn’t want to look good, right ? When a child is trying to colour a drawing , some things like the colour of the sky, colour of the sun are pretty obvious. But what about colouring the walls of a house ? What about colouring dresses of people in the drawing ? These questions make children think on the lines of what could look good with what. This enhances decision making skills in a child.

Teamwork and Coordination
Art is even more fun when done with your friends. Group activities like making a group collage or a painting with hand prints from all children are definitely fun. These activities are a great way to teach the students teamwork, participation and coordination. They realise the power of working in a team and they are less likely to stay lonely. They learn to make friends and talk to each other. Not only that , but working in a group also makes them see each other’s work and learn.

Time away from screens
We all know that kids today are smarter than the previous generation. It is no wonder that even before learning to read, they learn to operate tablets and mobile phones. Most of them are even addicted to playing games. This not only is bad for their tender eyes but also makes them short tempered. They tend to throw tantrums. Simply scribbling on a blank paper can make a child happy. Then imagine, what wonders art and craft could do! This indeed is the most important benefit of art and craft in a child’s life. They spend time away from the screens, which are harmful in numerous ways.

Motivation
When one puts effort into some work and gets the results, he/she is definitely motivated to do more of that. Art and craft helps children be more focused and motivated. Having these qualities also helps them face challenges in future.

Trying out new things
When a kid first learns a paper craft, for example, making a boat, he/she definitely goes home and tries it out again. The next time they make it, they try to slightly vary the process from the original one to see what exactly happens if they do it in some other way. This way they learn the dos and don’ts of craft and slowly master the technique. Art and craft makes children curious and interested into trying out new things.

Busy Mind is a Happy Mind
Art keeps children busy. Be it making an airplane and playing with it or mixing colours on a palette to get the right shade, with art and craft, time just goes by before you even realise. When children are busy with their activities, parents need not have to worry about what mischief the kids are upto. Their busy minds will keep them away from all the mischief in the world. They become more calm.

To sum it all up, I feel parents must definitely encourage children to do more and more of art and craft activities. Not only will the kids benefit out of it, but they would also turn to be good individuals going forward.