Easy Ways to Incorporate the Arts into Your Child’s Life

With so much focus on academics and sports, the arts tend to get pushed aside. But research shows the arts benefit kids with reasoning, self-expression, confidence and more.

By Rebecca Hastings

 

I watched my daughter more than the display. We were there to look at the art installation, and to see the famous paintings of van Gogh come to life in new ways. But I was captivated by her. She looked at the colors, the shapes, the images, pointing out details I hadn’t seen before. She was connecting with art painted more than 100 years ago.

In our busy world, with increasing academic and athletic standards for our children, the arts tend to get pushed aside. But research shows that the arts help kids with everything from reasoning and development to self-expression and confidence. This includes more than just the visual arts. Exposure to music and the performing arts like dance and drama produce the same benefits and provide opportunities for your child to grow and learn.

Knowing the benefits and understanding how to incorporate the arts into our already busy lives are two different things. Here are easy ways you can make art part of your child’s experience.

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Let Them See Art

Perhaps the most obvious way to encounter art is by seeing art, and it is still important. This can look like going to a museum, but it’s also about being observant of the world around you.

Visit museums: Even at young ages, children can learn to appreciate art in a museum. Try keeping visits shorter for little ones. You can even keep them in a stroller in many museums. This allows you to expose them to art as well as teach them how to behave in a museum. For older kids, try to find museums that spark their interest. Maybe modern art or a photography exhibit will provide more connection.

See performances: Go to live concerts and shows. Casual outdoor venues are great with little kids so they have space to move around and even dance if appropriate. For inexpensive options great for kids try local high school theater productions and library events. 

Listen to music: Music provides entertainment, learning, and connection for kids as young as babies. Exposing them to different types of music helps them with language skills, provides comfort, gives physical outlet, and more. From lullabies to rock music, and classical to top hits, listening to different types of music is a great way to teach kids to appreciate the arts.

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Let Them Experience Art

Sometimes there are opportunities for art to be more interactive. This is great for children as they are given the freedom to explore art in hands-on ways.

Visit an interactive exhibit: Alaska provides opportunities to interact with art in many unique ways. For example, the Anchorage Museum features an art gallery filled with art and sculpture from iconic Alaska artists. The museum also includes a hands-on discovery center that’s perfect for children.

Go outside: Look for outdoor public art exhibits that allow you to see the art and even touch it in many cases. Taking a tour of Alaska’s famous murals, sculptures and statues invite a less restrictive experience for kids. Throughout the year, the Alaska Botanical Garden features a variety of sculptural elements throughout the garden - from an imaginative pair of magpies and painted bears to a 1970s VW Bus converted into a planter. Experiences like this inspire kids and foster creativity.

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Let Them Create Art

Creating art comes in so many forms, but often we limit our ideas to things like painting and playing music. Give your child the chance to explore creating all types of art. Drawing, clay, nail art, puppet shows, fashion, singing, knitting, dancing, acting, sidewalk chalk, and color mixing are just a few ideas. All of these are ways to create art. And the possibilities are endless.

Make supplies available: Have a variety of art supplies available for your children to explore. As they do, give them times that are purposeful and structured to make something specific as well as other times that give them the freedom to imagine and create. Some good supplies to start with are paper in various sizes, crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint, yarn, glue, music, chalk, clay, Play-Doh, dress-up clothes, and various things like buttons and ribbons.

Sign up for art classes: Whether it’s a painting class, music lessons, cooking class, dance class or a local play, there are a variety of options for kids to try. Giving them a chance to explore and try new things allows them to learn what they enjoy.

Encourage creative expression: Perhaps the most important part of the arts in your child’s life is your encouragement. When you talk about the arts as well as assist in your child’s creative endeavors, you show them that art is an important part of life and who they are.

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