Sources: Michigan State University, University of Calgary
Art is an integral part of most Vancouver daycare and preschool programs. There are so many benefits to exploring art, and young children learn so much more than just creativity from their art classes.
In our Vancouver daycares near you, art and creativity are a part of our daily routine. We know how important it is for toddlers, infants and kids of all ages to hone in on their artistic skills in early childhood education.
What makes art so important for daycare programs?
Develops fine motor skills
Art in early childhood education helps toddlers develop their fine motor skills. Picking up and using crayons, pencils, paintbrushes and other tools works the tiny muscles of their hands and fingers. Why is this important? Fine motor skills assist children with a variety of other controlled movements and tasks, from learning to write to zipping up a jacket or playing sports.
Boosts cognitive development
Tapping into their creative side can also improve children’s cognitive development. Doing art inspires children to try new things, ask questions, think critically, and reach new conclusions from their experiences.
From simply colouring a picture, they’ll learn to envision a plan for their drawing, making their own choices about the colours they will use and how it will turn out. From mixing colours on a paint canvas, they’ll learn about primary, secondary and tertiary colours. All of these experiences will aid them in their cognitive ability.
Enhances math skills
You might not think of math skills when you think about children learning art in early childhood education. However, during the activity, children may draw shapes, colour in pieces of various sizes, and make decisions about their art that depend on spatial reasoning. In the process of creating something artistic, children also learn more about geometry, size, symmetry and other mathematical ways of the world.
In our Vancouver child care centres, we make the absolute most of our art lessons to teach children an array of skills, including math.
Enhances language skills
Young children are taught new vocabulary in art classes: words that describe concepts like texture, shapes, and specific techniques. Often, children will describe their creations, listen to a teacher’s instructions, and talk about the process of art. All of this helps them to develop their language skills while they are in a creative environment.
Improves mental wellbeing
Research shows that art can improve our mental health, reducing our stress and improving our mental wellbeing. Making art can be a meditative, relaxing experience for many children, allowing them to get lost in the experience of creation. Getting creative is not only a boredom-buster, but also a wellness enhancer. ‘Art therapy’ even exists to help people with mental health conditions lessen anxiety, be present and reduce stress and trauma.
Grows creative skills
Of course, in addition to all its other amazing benefits, art makes children more creative! During art, kids use their imagination and get inspired to create something that is uniquely ‘them.’ They make artistic choices and learn to innovate new solutions and ways of doing things. These creative skills will accompany them as they progress in their educational journey and into adulthood.
Art can have amazing benefits. Beyond learning how to think creatively, art helps children in toddler and infant daycares with their fine motor skills, language and math skills, cognitive development and more.
To learn more about how we incorporate art and other subjects into our Vancouver preschool and daycare programs, click here or reach out to us directly.
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Rainforest Learning Centre Vancouver child care centres are located in North Vancouver, Langley and Coquitlam and serve the surrounding areas of Upper Lonsdale, Central Lonsdale, Metro Vancouver, Burnaby, North Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey and White Rock. We offer Vancouver group daycare, all-day preschool for ages 2 1/2 to 5, infant and toddler care for ages 1 to 3, half-day preschool for ages 3 to 5, and before- and after-school care for ages 5 to 12. Learn more here.