Art Makes Smart! At LCCAP Early Learning Programs, we believe that Art is an important part of helping children develop important skills. On April 7th, children’s art shows were hosted for their families and friends who were treated to some beautiful, creative and ambitious works at Ben Franklin, Croton, Ellwood City and Frew Mill Campus Centers.
Here are 4 reasons why art is so important in early childhood:
1. Motor Skills
When children participate in creating, there are many movements involved. From holding a paintbrush to coloring with a crayon, a child’s fine motor skills progress through this hands-on approach to education. Other actions, such as using scissors, help develop the dexterity children need for writing.
2. Language Development
In addition to getting their hands physically dirty creating art, children have the opportunity to expand their vocabulary by learning words for colors, shapes and various actions. This helps children use descriptive words to discuss their creation, and will help them express what feelings are elicited from observing different types of art by the time they are in elementary school.
3. Decision-Making
Studies show art education strengthens both critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in young children. The process of creating art gives children choices and urges them to make decisions in the course of creating their art – a crucial skill that translates into other parts of life. For example, exploration through art will encourage children to try new ideas in other areas of life. Not only will this further spark creativity and imagination, but children can also use critical thinking to react to new experiences and problem-solve when necessary.
4. Encourages Neural Connections
Because art employs any/all of the senses, such as sight, sound, taste and smell, the synapses in the brain of a small child fire away as they experience situations that immerse their senses and further encourage their creativity. In fact, a young brain makes billions of new connections with every bit of new knowledge it is exposed to. In young children, artistic activities lead to the formation of well-rounded personalities, good attachment, self-esteem and better mental health.
For more information on LCCAP Early Learning Programs, visit https://lccap.org/programs-services/education/. In the next few weeks, watch for more photos/videos that will be posted from our other early learning centers’ art shows across the county!
