In recent years, you may have heard of the shift in primary education toward STEM or, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. While these subjects are essential for children to learn, no well-rounded education is complete without the arts. Whether your child has shown an interest in drawing or making sculptures, this sector of the academic spectrum has outstanding advantages of its own. Here are just some of the many ways in which art positively affects child development.

3 Ways Art Enhances Child Development

1. Decision Making

Before they have to think about what groceries to buy or which college to attend, your child can start off small by making creative decisions. For example, when you present your little one with a box of 20 different tubes of paint, they’ll have to assert their preference and make a choice. Especially for shy children, this act alone kick-starts the development of their confidence and personality.

2. Motor Skills

On the most basic level, art allows your child to focus solely on how their hands move, and how to manipulate various mediums with them. As your little one molds clay, cuts paper, and learns to draw shapes, they will gain muscle memory and hand-eye coordination. Eventually, a boost in motor skills will transfer over the to the classroom when your children starts learning how to write.

3.Language Skills

If your child isn’t one to open up about the events of their day, making art alongside them might promote more natural communication. As your child gets curious about different materials and art supplies, they may ask you questions. If they see you drawing a flower, they might ask you what you’re drawing, and how they can do it. By engaging in a low-stakes, highly creative activity, you can promote your child’s knowledge of words, semantics, and social interaction—all key elements of child development.

If you want your pride and joy to attend an early childhood center that recognizes the importance of art, get in touch with Great Beginnings. With locations in  St. Charles and Cottleville, MO, they teach a balanced curriculum that incorporates time-tested and progressive techniques. To learn more about their well-rounded take on child development, visit their website. Or, call (636) 447-4212 in Cottleville or (636) 724-5048 in St. Charles to speak with a friendly faculty member.