Why Being Creative is Important for Kids
Art isn’t just about creating beautiful pictures or sculptures; it's a powerful tool for helping kids build confidence and self-esteem. From the moment they pick up a crayon or paintbrush, children begin discovering new things about themselves and about the world around them. In this blog post, we'll talk about why it’s essential to encourage kids’ creativity. We’ll also see how art classes and workshops at Wee Create can grow their confidence both inside and outside the studio!
Art Increases Kids’ Self-Esteem
In 2019, University College in London studied 6209 children and came to this conclusion: kids who engage in art feel better about themselves than those who don’t. Creating art helps kids express who they are and get comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with others through their creations. The study even found that the process of making art boosts a child's self-esteem regardless of how “good” they are at it!
Art is a Safe Space
Creativity is an essential part of childhood development, and art provides a safe space for children to express themselves. When they paint, draw, or sculpt, they can explore their thoughts and feelings without worrying about what others think. This freedom helps them feel more confident and sure of themselves. They learn to trust their own ideas and see things in their own special way.
Art Encourages Kids to Experiment
Art is also great for kids because it helps them try new things and take risks. In art, there's no right or wrong answer, so they can try different ways of doing things without worrying about failing. When kids are told it's okay to try new stuff and be creative, they learn to see challenges as opportunities to grow. This helps them feel more sure of themselves and better able to bounce back when things get tough.
Art Helps Kids Learn New Things
Creating art gives children a sense of independence, accomplishment, and self-awareness as they explore the process of creating. They learn about themselves, such as whether they prefer blue to green, or painting over drawing. They learn about the world around them - what happens when certain colors are mixed together and what different materials feel like. They practice motor skills by manipulating supplies such as paintbrushes, scissors, clay, and beads. Art classes - such as the ones at Wee Create - are one giant opportunity for kids to discover and experience new things.
Art is a Way to Communicate
Art helps people communicate ideas, feelings, and stories. Sometimes, though, words can be hard to use. For kids who may struggle to talk about how they feel or what they think, art lets them express themselves in a safe and healthy way.
Art Improves Kids’ Social Skills
Art is more fun when you do it with others! When kids join art classes, they get twice the benefit - creating personal masterpieces and making new friends who enjoy art too. They also learn how to share supplies, talk about their art, work together on projects, and appreciate each other's differences. At Wee Create, kids can have a blast making art together and feel like they belong.
Art Helps Kids Become Happy, Healthy, and Confident
Just like adults, kids who gain more knowledge and experience feel more sure of themselves. When kids engage in art, they’re able to discover their strengths, celebrate their unique personality, and develop healthy self-esteem. And this confidence doesn’t stay in the art studio - it becomes part of who they are in the rest of their life.
At Wee Create, we work to help every kid let their creativity shine, be themselves, and build confidence through art. After all, the world is their canvas, and the possibilities are endless!
Sources
Mak, H.W. & Fancourt, D. 2019. Arts engagement and self‐esteem in children: results from a propensity score matching analysis. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6767447/
Rickmanowicz, K. 2015. The art of creating: Why art is important for early childhood development. Michigan State University Extension.
Retrieved from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_art_of_creating_why_art_is_important_for_early_childhood_development
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