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Article:
HOW TO HELP A CHILD TO BE CREATIVE, WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL
THAT WAY
by Jan Whitted as seen in Baystate Parent
Artists Start Early
“I
want to make something,” says 4-year old Declan. “What
would you like to make?” asks his father. “Dad, let’s
get some glue, string and rocks,” declares the enthusiastic
boy, “I’m making an art project!”
What a spontaneously creative child!
He’s planning an inventive use of everyday materials. Like
most 4-year-olds, Declan wants to create an art project, simply
for the purpose of being creative, with an undetermined outcome.
Declan’s father, careful not to discourage his child’s
creative spark, encourages the project and jumps in himself.
Relax, Its Just Art!
Declan is lucky. Many adults inadvertently
inhibit creativity by having, and setting, unreasonable standards
of performance for the child’s age, such as: “Why
don’t I get you some paper and stickers instead?”
“Why don’t you try making something specific?”
This reveals an adult’s more limited view of creative possibilities
(‘I’m no good at art”) at a time when a child
is seeking enthusiastic encouragement. This is mainly due to the
fact that adults do not understand, have forgotten, or are uncomfortable
with the creative process.
If we don’t feel creative, how can we offer inspiration
and artistic guidance to children?
Know The Golden Rule of Art and Dive In!
The good news is that with art there is no “right”
or “wrong.” Follow the Golden Rule of Art –
“Art is in the eye of the beholder and in the mind of its
creator – the only “rules” are being safe and
keeping your materials in good shape. Let a child’s vision
of art unfold naturally as a journey. Recall the joy of your childhood
days spent coloring, rubber stamping, candle dipping, potholder
looping, pastel sketching, clay squeezing and lanyard tying, and
then it’s easy to understand the excitement of a child seated
at an table with an array of colorful, tactile craft materials
within arm’s reach. Offering children their satisfying artistic
experiences allows them pride through creative expression…teaching
self-assurance and problem solving skills.
With his “recipe” of string, glue and rocks, Declan
is teaching his father about the ease of art, and invites us to
change our perspectives about what it means to “be creative”
ourselves. His father, unquestioning of his son’s plans,
immediately moves to a kitchen drawer to locate the washable glue
and embarks upon priceless father-son bonding time and an exciting
creative journey!
ARTBEAT’s Easy, Five-Step
Plan to Help Spark Creativity.
1. KNOW YOUR CHILD AND TUNE INTO WHAT THEY
WANT IN AN ART EXPERIENCE. Are they seeking a group activity with
an individual or a shared project, or is this a request for solitary
time? Are they more confident with a familiar project or looking
to try something that is completely new? Are they seeking instant
gratification or do they have the attention and determination
to start a project of some duration and complexity, such as decorating
a doll house? Do they want an adult’s full participation
or to be an observer who is available for consultation?
2. CONSIDER THE CHILD’S AGE. A school
art teacher or an art store professional can advise you on projects
and materials that are age-appropriate. Early-age art materials
tend to be washable, brightly colored with stubby grips; save
fine-tipped permanent markers for older children. It’s important
not to frustrate children with something that is too complicated
for them to enjoy, or too simplistic for them to be engaged. Don’t
pre-ordain the selection: boys are very eager to make jumbo tissue
paper flowers and girls enjoy dinosaur, and cowboy colored sand
pictures.
3. “INSTRUCT” BY “TRYING”
Resist being “in charge” by letting yourself experience
things as if for the first time. Watch what happens to the paint
when you brush blue over yellow. Enjoy the possibilities of randomly
placed mosaic tiles and don’t fret if clay gets caught in
your jewelry. Resist jumping up for the phone or attending to
dinner preparation. A child wants a shared adventure and your
undivided attention. Trying to be in charge of the direction heaps
unnecessary pressure and expectation!
Children are natural mimics; this is a great opportunity to instruct
by example. Make appreciative, specific, but non-judgmental comments
that encourage your child to talk (“Wow, look at the way
that red looks next to that yellow!”) Resist the urge to
over-focus on your child’s project. Instead, focus on doing
it too, and waiting for their cue to interact.
4. QUALITY COUNTS. Venture out to select
your materials together, and definitely indulge in nice quality
materials. Sculpey® Clay which can be long reused or hard-baked
and vibrant water-soluble beeswax Lyra Aquacolor® crayons
which are a substitute for oil pastels and watercolors are just
two examples of material upgrades that are very rewarding. Sit
side-by-side and work on your own project as your child works
on theirs. Your child appreciates knowing that you like art too!
5. FOR SUCCESS, PLAN AHEAD. “Measure
twice, cut once” applies to art. Be familiar with the instructions
in advance. Set up a clear, protected work space and offer your
child a smock. Always demonstrate the correct, safe way to use
tools, i.e., how to pass scissors (even if they are round-tipped).
Practice these skills so you’re comfortable that they understand.
For example: “We always keep clay or Play-Doh® on the
counter/table and never on the floor because that keeps it nice
and soft so that we can use it again.” Or “let’s
use one color of sand at a time so that the colors stay nice and
bright.” If you approach craft project planning as you would
follow step-by-step instructions of a cooking recipe (see ARTBEAT’s
“art recipes” in sidebar), there will be a logical
flow leading to success.
Creating art is entertaining for children
of all ages and is a popular tradition for long afternoons, birthday
parties and summer camps. Kids just dive in and go! Art and kids
are a proven formula for happiness: it’s as if kids understand
these five easy steps to inspiring adults to be creative, and
adults would have more fun if they practiced the Golden Rule of
Art for themselves.
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