Importance of Arts and crafts for child development

Have you ever wondered why arts and crafts are so important to children's development and for children between the ages of 3 and 8. Tt is considered the most important way to support growth and development. That's why it's often done in kindergartens and primary schools in Hong Kong, Singapore and around the world! As a preschool teacher and mom, I can personally vouch for the benefits because my daughter Kelly started spending time together at home when she was little.

Children love crafts and it is important to practice them both at school and at home. Here are 6 key areas of child development to help your child learn arts and crafts at home in Hong Kong.

1. Motorcycle Technology

When children use their fingers to manipulate art materials, they are using the small muscles in their hands to develop their fine motor skills. As you learn to use both hands at the same time, your bilateral coordination skills will improve. All this happens during painting, coloring, gluing and cutting. The faster your fine motor skills develop, the more you can do everything from eating by yourself to tying your own shoelaces. I remember the first time I taught Kelly to tie her shoelaces. And a day later, Kelly tied it herself! excellent!

2. Literacy
Young children's arts and crafts skills range from speaking and reading to listening and comprehension. When children create arts and crafts, they can develop their communication skills by talking about their work. "Why did you choose that color?" "Tell me what you did." They learn new vocabulary from their parents and use their listening skills while following oral instructions. All parents want their children to understand to listen to us as soon as possible! (Kelly still does this exercise!)

At an early age, children experience rapid development of communication skills, motor skills, and perspective taking (or the ability to see "from another's point of view") to varying degrees.

- Early Childhood Art: The Social and Emotional Benefits of Art

3. Mathematical concept
Basic math skills are often not considered part of arts and crafts activities. However, math skills are often used and have a positive effect on the development of math skills in preschoolers. Children learn and recognize different shapes, count and sort art supplies, and measure the length and size of art materials. Learning maths requires good thinking and problem-solving skills, which can also be useful in crafting activities.

4. Creativity
Art enables children to develop critical creativity throughout life. Being creative creates opportunities for self-expression and gives children the opportunity to express and deal with their feelings. It also promotes mental growth in children by providing new ideas, new ways of thinking and problem solving. I came across an interesting article about Mary Ann Kohl, author of the award-winning children's art ideas book. In an interview, she says: Creativity should not be confused with talent, skill or intelligence.

5. Trust
Arts and crafts instill confidence in children by giving them a sense of achievement and pride in their work. Making art is a great and safe way to learn that you can't make mistakes and that doing things "wrong" can lead to whole new ideas. Children can try new things and develop "self-regulation skills" (like waiting for paint or glue to dry). This will help all children develop the patience they need to help! Me too sometimes!

6. Quality time / Contacts with parents
Children love spending time with their parents and there is nothing better than working together! You can spend quality time with your children while creating memories that will last a lifetime. While creating together, you can talk about what you are creating and discuss various ideas and topics. You can think, feel and talk about what you think. As an added bonus, your child isn't using the skills or looking at the screen!