Learning Arts and Crafts for Kids
Arts and crafts can turn an exciting activity into a lesson. A perceptive parent can encourage his/her child to learn without the child realizing it. Arts and craft activities allow children to use their imagination to create products. Ideal activities will touch on at least two of the three learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile.
Before beginning any activity, determine the needs of the child and his/her learning level. Activities should not be too simplistic nor to difficult or the child will not benefit from them. Additionally, any craft project should allow children to think independently, tap their creativity, have fun and learn a lesson. Simple and short projects (under an hour) are best for children under 10 and the difficulty and time can increase with the age of the child. Here are some simple, yet educational craft ideas:
Holiday Crafts- Disccuss the meaning behind the occasion (i.e. Labor Day) and have the child create a card, banner or other artifact commemorating the occasion. Children could make ornaments for Christmas, hearts for Valentine's Day, or homemade gifts for family members. The key is to get the child to understand the significance of the occasion and come up with ways to celebrate it.
Get Organized-have children create a book of their daily routine or a calendar of events. This enables them to be a part of the planning process. Do not forget to show them how to keep time. Children can make their own clock, too. Children will be excited to keep up with their calendar.
Express Yourself-use paint, construction paper, pictures, and other materials and let the children loose! Encourage them to create a collage of their favorite things or design a "mural" for their bedroom. Use marshmallows and toothpicks to create a 3-D model. The sky is the limit!
Act It Out-explain a significant historical event (i.e. The First Thanksgiving) and have the children perform a short skit or play. Use props to create a puppet show. This activity develops public speaking skills and in no time, the child will be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd.
There are many sources to find suitable arts and craft ideas to suit the needs of children on various stages of cognitive and physical development. The Internet, bookstores, churches and community groups have a wealth of free activities and arts and craft ideas. Remember that while a craft should be educational, one should strive to make it exciting and fun as well to best benefit the child.