Ready to get those creative gears moving? Grab your kids and check out these fun arts and crafts ideas, courtesy of Virginia Beach, VA teacher Jenn E…
Art allows children to explore their imagination, plan, reason, and express their thoughts and feelings. Children who regularly participate in arts and crafts are more likely to be creative, innovative, and resilient. While it is common for adults to feel apprehensive about doing art — since most stop once it’s no longer a required course in school — adults and kids alike can take pride in their products by following these three simple steps.
• Start off small. Do not try to imitate the most elaborate arts and crafts ideas you see on Pinterest. Instead, stick with small projects by creatively using things around the house. For example, try making masks out of paper plates, create noise makers with empty cans and bottles, or cut up old cardboard or cereal boxes to create any type of structure.
• Stick to one medium. It can get very overwhelming in the craft aisle — so many fun things to imagine putting together to make your work of art. But remember, art is about the process, not the product. Your creation probably won’t look like a van Gogh, and that is OK; take pride in the completed effort, even if it’s not something show-worthy. Choose one medium, whether that’s paint, glitter, appliqué, crayon, or something else, and stick with it. When you flood yourself with options, a mess is the only thing you will end of creating.
• Keep it simple. Look at teaching websites for creative crafts for kids. Make sure you are staying within your child’s developmental level. For kids under five, keep it to them scribbling with crayons; school-aged children can advance to other arts and crafts ideas that include cutting and gluing materials. If you have multiple children at different ages, a great tip is to get a kit and cater the projects to each level. I like getting wood picture frames (or making my own from cardboard — it can be used for everything crafting) and have the children paint it, then do a photo shoot for the children to take more ownership and have more pride in their piece.
There are a thousand crafts ideas you can do with your kids, and it can get very overwhelming for a novice. Stick with these simple ideas to build your comfort level. As you and your child succeed, you will be excited to try more and get more complex. And as you and your child engage in creativity you will find both of your minds expanding as you look at the world from a newer view.
Looking for additional guidance? Get one-on-one help from one of our arts and crafts teachers, in subjects including sewing, jewelry design, and scrapbooking!
Jenn E. teaches painting, cooking, photography, and more in Virginia Beach, VA. Jennifer studied Psychology, Art, Biology, and Chemistry in undergrad at Florida State University, and later got her graduate degree in Art Therapy from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Check out her blog, or book lessons with Jenn here!
Photo by mandaroo63
Suzy S.