Allowing children to explore the visual arts such as paint, clay, collage materials, working with 3D such as boxes and more enables children to think creatively, problem-solve, develop sensory awareness and integration, explore anxieties, experiences and memories safely.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy has been used for many years to assist children (and adults) to cope with trauma and stress helping children to work through feelings and emotions, often resulting in positive self-esteem and more creative ways of coping with challenges!
The Role of the Educator
It is important as educators when a child creates their masterpiece whether it be a mark on a paper, a clay bowl that has seen better days….. a painting, a drawing or 3D box construction covered in endless amounts of glue and collage materials that we focus only on the process they went through, the memories, thinking, problem-solving, decisions made, possibly fears they worked through to get to their final piece.
Supporting the Process
To support this process and understand their knowledge, experiences, perceptions of their world and how they can use these material we need to engage in meaningful discussions about their work… ask them why they created this piece, what meaning does it hold, how did they make these decisions, what did they find most challenging and rewarding? These conversations not only celebrate children’s efforts but also demonstrate our interest in their work all the while allowing the child to also identify the significance of their own achievements.
So next time you set up an art area think about its potential!
Leave a Reply