Art is an activity that children enjoy. There are many things that you can educate your child about art. For example, what art is used for, places art is seen, tools that are used, surfaces that art is used on, and different artistic professions. I will be sharing some simple fun activities that you can do with your child to help educate them about art.
A good way to introduce your child to art is to have them explore different medias for art. On a table have out chalk, paint, paper, markers, play dough, glue, pencils, brushes, glitter and anything else you can think of. Allow them to ask you questions as they are exploring. Also go over the names of the different items and discuss how they can be used.
Everyday have your child do a different art project. For example, one day have paper, glue, scissors and different magazines on the table. Your child can cut out different pictures they like from the magazine and glue it on the paper. Another day you can provide your child with a can of paint, paper and yarn. Your child can dip the yarn in the can of paint and make a neat design on the paper using the yarn. You can get additional art ideas from the Internet, bookstore or local library.
Take a trip to the art gallery. This will give your child a chance to see different types of art. Engage your child in conversation about what art they like and what forms of media they think were used. For example, if there is pottery work at the gallery you can talk about how clay was used.
Read your child books about art. Through words and pictures your child can learn about art. Some books I would recommend are, Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, Picasso by Elizabeth Ripley and What Can You Make of It by F. Brandenburg.
You can use math as a way of teaching art. For example, you can have your child sort the art supplies. Glue bottle go in one pile while crayons go into another pile. After your child is done sorting having them count how many crayons and glue bottles there are in the pile.
Incorporate art in your child’s play. For example, you can go to the thrift store and find artists smocks, hats, easels and paint tables. Your child can use the different materials to act like they are Picasso or some other famous artist. Through play your child will be able to rehearse what they have learned from you, which will strengthen their knowledge about art.
The learning should occur through a series of weeks and even months. These fun activities will make it easy for your child to learn about art. Who knows your child could be the next Picasso.
