THE IMPORTANCE OF ART AND CRAFT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Participating in activities that are tied to arts and crafts is something that all children, regardless of age, enjoy doing. Children gain a sense of pride and accomplishment through participation in activities related to arts and crafts, which helps to increase their level of self-esteem. Besides improving their academic skills, children can benefit from participating in arts and crafts activities in several other ways. It provides the push that is necessary for children to succeed at higher levels of education, and plays an essential role in developing necessary problem-solving and thinking skills.

Educationists at Babaji Vidhyashram School, among the best schools in Medavakkam, have found that children can benefit from participating in arts and crafts in many ways. We can see an overall development in the child when creative activities are included in learning. Let's discuss a few of these in the following sections.

Physical Developments with Art and Craft in Learning

Sustained engagement in art and craft activity leads to significant muscle development in the early years. Many practical skills are developed in the process.

These include:

• Fine motor skill development

The development of fine motor skills is aided by the fact that a significant part of the activities associated with arts and crafts involve the use of the hands and fingers. Even relatively uncomplicated activities, such as colouring with pencils or using paintbrushes, can help build muscles and improve a person's control over their movement. The earlier in life a child begins to learn how to develop their fine motor skills, the more easily they will make the transition to elementary school.

• Increased agility

A child's liveliness and dexterity can benefit from participating in arts and crafts. When they practice and refine fine motor skills, physical dexterity, speed, and talent will improve as a result of their efforts.

• Improved hand to eye coordination

Participating in art and craft-related activities from a young age leads to significant improvements in hand-eye coordination later in life. During the years after elementary school, when children are learning how to form letters or how to space words, this will be helpful.

Social Development Opportunities Through Art and Craft

In a completely different, yet equally important sphere, creative learning and education that involves art has been shown to improve social skills in children. Here's how:

• It improves language development.

Children can develop their language and communication skills, as well as their vocabulary, when they participate in the production of art and then discuss it with others or explain what they have done themselves. Besides this, it inspires them with confidence to express their emotions freely and gain in social and emotional well-being.

• It promotes individual expression.

A child can communicate her emotions in a meaningful, observable, and constructive way when they actively participate in creative activities like arts and crafts. On top of that, they also enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating something for themselves.

• It teaches kids to be more sociable.

Young people have the opportunity to talk and mingle with others who share similar interests when they are asked to stay in the same room as other children participating in an art session. Furthermore, when parents are enthusiastic about participating in activities with their children, the parent-child relationship is strengthened.

Higher-order Skills Developed Through Creative Activity

Finally, creative activity can develop higher-order skills by the use of faculties that are not usually engaged in other forms of learning. Creative activity can:

• Facilitate greater originality and creative capacity

Innovation is encouraged when children are given the freedom to pursue whatever goals they choose for themselves. Furthermore, the ability to think critically and find solutions to challenges that may arise while young people are producing something brings out their creative side.

• Develop capacity for deliberation and analytical thinking

A young person will develop the ability to make effective and appropriate decisions through the process of experiencing and overcoming creative obstacles. This allows them to establish a problem-solving mindset, which will serve well in other aspects of their life.

• Enhance memory and visual learning.

A youngster can increase their knowledge of new colours and shapes by participating in art and craft activities. Besides this, children are introduced to a variety of figures and patterns. These activities thus improve memory when they are encouraged to remember intricate patterns and designs as they participate in a variety of activities, such as making jewellery or sculpture.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that school children's cognitive, social, and physical development will receive a boost if teachers actively encourage their participation in arts and craft activities in the classroom. As one of the best schools in Medavakkam, Babaji Vidhyashram School places great emphasis on artistic development and creative learning in their curriculum.