Creativity

From coloring with crayons to sculpting with clay, from banging on pots and pans to learning the violin, there are countless ways families can and should encourage their children to express themselves with music, art and the written word.  Here are some suggestions:

• Out of sight, out of mind:  Keep some basic are supplies out and available for any time the mood to create strikes your children.  Have something for them to draw with and to draw on.  Coloring books are OK, but the way to really stimulate your children’s artistic talents is to let them create their own visions by drawing on blank paper.

• Enter contests:  Libraries, grocery stores, schools and community organizations often have art or drawing contests for children.  Keep a look out for them!

• Take advantage of what’s out there:  The recreation department and many other community groups offer one-day and week-long programs.

• Take turns with other parents:  Some art projects are time consuming, both for the child artist and his or her family.  Work with neighbors or friends who have children near the same age as yours and take turns hosting both sets of children for an art adventure.

• Be patient:  When children are first learning to play a musical instrument it can be grating on the ears for those around them.  Instead of wincing at the bad notes, tune out the mistakes and remind yourself that children who learn how to play an instrument often also do better in school.

• Lay on the praise:  The art projects, writing and music they do at home should be for the joy of it, not the work.  Give them lots of “good jobs” and pats on the back.  Mentioning something specific that you like is even more helpful.

SOURCE: Adapted from NAESP’s Report to Parents newsletter.