Importance of art and craft for kids in school curriculum

All children are artists, while some build up their skills to great extents others simply get past the first level. Hence it is all up to parents and teachers to encourage their children towards art. As in the words of Albert Einstein, "Imagination is more important than knowledge, for knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world." The different kids craft ideas must be essentially included in the School Curriculum as it helps the children to explore and create without worrying about the ended product. Thus with the help of the various craft ideas the children, are able to discover, experiment, make mistakes and learn from them.

They are also able to try new ideas on their own which gives them vast self confident. These crafty ideas also let the children enjoy the excitement of the creative processes. In fact, there is no right way or wrong way for the projects to turn out when it comes to the kids; it is just the enjoyable pleasant process of the experience.

There are many creative crafts that give the children enough time for exploration and experimentation in art. Children will be able to treat their work automatically and independently. They will judge their own results and work towards their own goals, often with the most unbelievable surprising results. These creative crafts help the children to explore, experimental and create and they enjoy the creative shine of each idea.

As a teacher we would have noticed kids smearing paint on paper, sprinkling glitter, feeling the touch of soft colourful clay without any interruption. Art and Craft not only creates creativity, but also develops the kids mentally, socially and emotionally. It is very important that we include art and craft in our Curriculum because it is at this age, which kids improve their motor skills, cognitive skills and experiment with materials and most importantly boosts self confidence.

The five main benefits of including art and craft for pre primary kids are: bilateral coordination, fine motor coordination, self regulation, self esteem boosters, bonding and fun.

So art and craft plays a vital role in the all round development of each child and we as teachers should inculcate the importance and love for art and craft in those young mind.

Arts and crafts are great ways to help children develop interest in creative things and also gain the ability to appreciate the finer details of life. From drawing and painting, craft to any other type of project that involves making use of creativity, together with out-of-the-box thinking can help develop the child's mental stimulation together with making the child a more rounded individual. If you want your children to have a complete personality, then it's crucial to develop their interest in art and craft at an early age.

TAG Public School follows these four tips to help our children bringing closer to the world of art and crafts.

• ·         We show our children that art can be fun

Children are more likely to be interested in arts and crafts if you make it look and sound fun. Instead of sending kids to their classroom with a colouring book and some art and craft supplies like crayons or sketch pens, we try to turn it into a game or a fun activity. We always join our young kids in their art experiments and turn it into a team activity. This way we can also bond with our children better and give them some memories to treasure once they grow up. Also, another important thing is we never force art upon our children or it will take away all the fun and learning from it. So be encouraging without being too pushy.

• ·         We target their interests

Taking tip number 1 a little more, a good way of encouraging our children into taking up art and crafts is by focusing on their interest area. For example, if our students are fond of watching superhero cartoons on television, then we start their journey into the art world by beginning with some superhero project. If the art work is based on something that our children like or adore, then there are more chances that they will enjoy it better. So, it is important that we base the creative endeavour on something our children are interested in.

• ·         We invest in some good quality art and craft supplies

Small children are naturally fascinated towards new, shiny and colourful objects. While art and craft supplies are naturally colourful, we can choose the more attractive ones with pictures of cartoon characters or superheroes on the cover and go in for school stationery in attractive shapes and colours as such art and craft supplies are bound to be even more attractive to children. Also, we never undervalue the importance of good quality when it comes to choosing art and craft supplies are good quality will always boost the performance of our budding artists

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• ·         We decorate the classroom with art of our children have created

This is a positive way to get kids glued to art and crafts. Displaying the works of art that our little kids have created on the wall, the desk or on the corridor is perhaps the best way to encourage them. When the children see their artwork decorating the classroom, they will not just feel happy but will also realise that what they have created is beautiful and has value.