Art and Craft Extra Curricular Activity by Miss Jen and Miss Hannah
Throughout Term 1 and 2 we have had the opportunity to express ourselves through art in our ECA on Tuesday afternoons, and we now look forward to being more creative and artistic in Term 3.
Why Art?
Art encourages children to engage in out of the box thinking and can help them hone their creative problem-solving skills. Art engages children’s senses in open-ended play and supports the development of cognitive, social-emotional and multi- sensory skills. As children progress into their school journey and beyond, art continues to provide opportunities for brain development, mastery, self-esteem and creativity. By making their own independent choices to express what they are thinking and feeling, children build confidence in themselves and their abilities, and learn to feel more comfortable expressing their feelings.
The Art and Craft ECA covers a range of fun and engaging activities that allow our students not only to express themselves, but to exercise some mindfulness as we paint and create! We have explored a range of different art styles such as impressionism, pointillism and pop art. Children learn to develop a wide range of art and design techniques using pattern, colour, texture, and lines. We are creating art forms using different materials such as paper weaves and mosaics. We use drawing to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination. During each session, we discuss different artists from history from Kandinsky to Pablo Picasso and look at their masterpieces.
“Creativity takes courage.“
– by Henry Matisse
How can art benefit young children?
Builds Skills & Improves Academic Outcomes
Making art can drastically improve your child’s fine motor skills and enhance their creative problem-solving abilities. Activities like cutting and glueing paper, and drawing can help children develop better coordination and dexterity. Over time, studies have shown that building these skills translates into better academic outcomes for children in other subjects including writing, literacy, mathematics, and science.
A voice beyond words
Children often use art to help them process their experiences and deal with overwhelming emotions. Art provides children with critical sensory input and can help children express their feelings in a multidimensional way even if they lack the vocabulary to describe their feelings with words. Even if they aren’t the ones creating the art, just being around art can provide children with enough sensory input to kick start their imagination and engage their curiosity.
“Art club inspires me to want to be an artist one day and it keeps me calm and focused.“
– by Lily A. – Year 5 Student
Nurturing artistic talent at home
Art is not only a fun activity for children, it can also help facilitate communication and bonding between children and their peers and family members too! Why not join your child to engage with their artistic side by signing up for a family class or getting creative with them at home. Visit local art and craft events together, such as exhibitions and workshops to build an early appreciation for paintings, ceramics, textiles and other art forms and design objects.
We look forward to embarking on future Art projects within Nadeen School. We cannot wait to see our future artists further develop their creativity and watch their artistic skills grow.
“Every child is an artist.“
– by Pablo Picasso
