We dedicate an entire day in our weekly home school schedule to art. That's how important we think making art and being creative is.
Here's a list of reasons why we think it's so important and the way art benefits our boys.
We want our boys to grow up:
thinking of ideas,
being inventive,
having the ability to problem solve creatively,
being able to focus and complete a project,
not having a fear of trying something new,
not having a fear of failure,
not being scared to try again when something didn't quite work the first time,
being able to work with their hands,
using what's in their minds eye to communicate,
enjoying the satisfaction of a completed project or job well done,
looking at the details,
Art allows new experiences:
It gives you the opportunity to try new things you may enjoy.
It gives you the opportunity to look closely at something you may have otherwise missed.
It gives you the appreciation of another's art.
It challenges you.
Art therapy works for a reason. Although I'm not an art therapist and my knowledge on the subject is limited, I can see its use and connection to the mind. Creativity can be one of the best ways to relieve stress and work through your emotions. Being creative builds confidence and allows you to embrace your own uniqueness. We were all born creative. Creativity is like a muscle, it needs to be used, you need to practice using it. The more you do, the more enjoyable it is, and the less you even notice your using it. Most creative people are good at what they do because they practice it.
It's important to encourage our kids (and ourselves) to embrace creativity and use it before it becomes a lost art. *pun intended*
If you were to ask our boys about art day, they would be excited to tell you that they love it! In our current schedule art day is on Wednesdays. It breaks up the week and gives them something to look forward to mid-week. Wednesday mornings are always full of smiles.
When was the last time you did something creative or encouraged your child to do something artistic?
Do you have a time for art in your home school?
How often does your child come home from school with their creations and you've taken the time to praise their efforts?
Is there more you could be doing to encourage creativity in your child's life?