My daughter’s first teacher, Ms. Remington, introduced a new artist each week to her 4- and 5-year-old students. What an incredible gift this teacher gave. Not only did she widen the children’s views of the world, but she also allowed the children to wonder, to question, to express, and to appreciate diversity. My daughter’s favorite artist was Mary Cassatt, a painter known for portraying the bonds between mothers and daughters. We spent the next few years exploring this fascinating artist through books, art projects, and conversation.
As a parent, you can give your kids a lifelong friend by introducing them to art. Exposing children to the arts helps them to develop new skills and think creatively.
If you hope your kids will learn about the arts elsewhere, remember that many schools with tight budgets struggle to provide access to arts programs. Even if your child’s school can afford field trips to museums, large group outings are full of distractions.
Learn how to use culture to connect with your kids and prepare them for a more rewarding life. Try these strategies for art lessons that your kids will love.
Art Activities for Kids During Museum Visits
When you drop into a museum these days, you’ll probably see crowds more interested in taking selfies than looking at the paintings. Studies show that the more time visitors spend on their electronic devices, the less they remember the art.
Show your kids how to have a richer experience:
1. Keep it Snappy: Children tend to have limited attention spans. Leave them wanting more. Go home before they become tired and bored.
2. Build Anticipation: Your outings will leave a more profound impression if you prepare beforehand. Older youths can read about an exhibition. Younger children can look at images on a website or brochure. Help all ages to anticipate what they might see, hear, and do at the Museum.
3. Chat it Up: Schedule time for discussion after your trip. Ask your child what works they liked and why.
4. Doodle Time: Most museums allow you to carry in small sketchpads and pencils. Drawing is an excellent way for children to examine a work closely and refine their motor skills.
5. Gift Shop Galore: Do a little shopping for more fun. Gift shops have children’s sections with educational toys, books, games, and craft materials.
6. Plan Ahead: Learn what’s in store in the weeks ahead. You may be able to take your kids to films and hands-on workshops and attend the usual exhibitions.
7. Membership Mania: If your budget is tight, check if the museum has hours with free admission. You can also save money and support your local institutions by purchasing a family membership that allows you to visit as often as you want.
Art Activities for Kids in Between Museum Visits
1. Follow Their Passions: Drum up enthusiasm by showing your kids how the arts tie into subjects they are already passionate about. Maybe your child will be fascinated by Degas’ horses or ballerinas.
2. Crafty Fun: Gather together to do crafts. Recycle household objects or drop by an art store for supplies. Browse for ideas online or invent your own projects.
3. Holiday Art Bonanza: If daily responsibilities leave little time for the arts, the holidays can remind you to include more playtime. Assemble your own Christmas tree ornaments or paint Easter eggs.
4. School Sidekick: Team up with your kid’s teacher to boost art in the classroom. You could be the superhero of parent volunteers! Teach a session or donate old magazines and catalogs for collages.
5. Book Bonanza: Feed those hungry little art minds with books galore. You don’t need a mountain of gold to build your own art library—swap books with pals or hit up the secondhand shops! The more your children know about art, the more eager they’ll be to continue learning.
Share cultural experiences with your kids to brighten their future and draw your family closer together. Dive headfirst into the beautiful art world with your kiddos, explore museums, get creative at home, and indulge in artistic adventures together. Not only will you make memories to last a lifetime, but you’ll also nurture their creativity and confidence. The arts can help children perform better at school, building their confidence and igniting their imaginations. Even when you’re not at the museum, you can enjoy plenty of activities at home or in your child’s school, keeping the creative spark alive in every moment.
