Visual art can be an excellent medium to help our toddlers learn to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas better. Look at our Facebook page and Pinterest board for interesting ideas. Let your little ones use their imagination and creativity. You may be amazed at the results!
While enjoying visual art activities, your child is also getting the chance to refine his/her receptive language skills (understanding what they have heard or read) by following instructions, understanding questions and grasping basic concepts such as colors, sizes, shapes and locations (top, bottom, middle, left, right, under, over, near and far). For example, encourage children to use play dough and incorporate words such as roll, cut, squash, squeeze, twist, knead and flatten.
Toddlers are encouraged to work on their expressive language skills (using words to communicate effectively) by describing what they are doing and sequencing the steps required to complete their projects. Children are encouraged to ask for help, such as “I’m having a hard time squeezing the glue out of the bottle,” “Help me find the red crayon,” or “Can you pass me the scissors.”
Creating art projects are incredible opportunities to discuss and compare adjectives such as big/small, huge/tiny, fluffy/slimy, long/short and smooth/rough. They are also great ways for your little ones to talk and learn about spatial concepts (in front, between, above), temporal concepts (first, last, next, before, after) and quantity concepts (some, all, one, few and none).
Follow their lead
Try to refrain from asking your toddler, “What is it?” Talk about what you can see and encourage your child to tell you about the project. For example, instead of looking at the whole drawing, discuss parts of it. What colors did they use? Why did they select those particular colors? Follow their lead and talk about what they are interested in.
Help your children practice following instructions. Start with one instruction and then add more as your child gains confidence. You can also reverse roles and let them give you instructions, further strengthening their communication skills.
Art and craft activities also allow for the development of social communication and interaction skills (pragmatics) in a natural and relaxed context. Taking turns, asking for help, complimenting the work of others and sharing ideas and experiences are all important communication skills our children need to learn.
Other skills visual arts can help develop are:
- fine motor skills and visual processing skills
- attention and concentration
- child’s confidence (It’s important to display their projects on the fridge, bulletin board or wall)
As caretakers, we can expose our children to an assortment of materials so they can let their imaginations run free. These can include crayons, pencils, markers, play dough, scissors, stampers, paints, paint brushes, construction paper, chalk, sand, stickers and beads. Also, consider items such as fabric, leaves, branches, feathers, pom poms, sequins, stickers, dry pasta, fruit loops and toilet rolls. Remember that children learn best through play as they are engaged and having fun. Avoid cute craft ideas that will require too much intervention from adults; they will do plenty of that when they are a little older. Keep it simple and enjoy your time together!