Children are always learning, especially when they pursue hands-on projects to explore their creativity and skills. That’s why crafts are an excellent way to keep preschool children entertained. Here are a few benefits of these projects.

Reasons to Encourage Your Child to Do Crafts

1. Motor Skill Development

Crafting requires dexterity and coordination to manipulate paintbrushes, scissors, paper, markers, and more. Children must use their hands to tear or cut various thicknesses of paper; glue large and small details like buttons or sequins; and draw or paint lines, dots, and other shapes. These tasks improve fine motor skills and help develop the ability to tie shoes and handle utensils.

2. Creative & Critical Thinking

When kids craft, they must think creatively and critically. They can use their imaginations to create something colorful that’s filled with different textures and shapes. This activity can also trigger an artistic talent that they’ll use later in life. As for critical thinking, children decide how to use each material, where it fits, and how to apply it so it remains in place. They also learn to solve problems when their ideas don’t work out.

3. Self-Expression

Arts and crafts are perfect outlets for self-expression. There are no limits or rules to what children can do. For kids who are used to their day being regulated and scheduled, crafting is a way to be free and do whatever they like. For more introverted personalities, it helps them express themselves safely.

4. Socialization

Whether kids sit with their parents, teachers, or other children in their preschool class, crafting is social. They can chat about what they are making or their favorite colors and materials. If they see another student’s work, they learn to discuss what they like about it, which is the foundation of giving and receiving constructive feedback. Even younger children who may not be ready to interact directly learn how to share space and materials.

5. Academic Development

The dexterity of crafting hones skills like using a pen and creating shapes with the ink, which directly relates to making letters for writing. Working with shapes also helps them understand spatial relations and geometric skills, which feeds into their math skills later in life.

If you’re looking for an early childhood education center in St. Charles and Cottleville, MO, Great Beginnings is a top choice. Their comprehensive child development programs ensure that children as young as infants receive attention and care. Their trained staff provides a comfortable environment for every child, and their before- and after-school care offers busy families convenient options for child care. To learn more about their early childhood education and preschool programs, call their St. Charles location at (636) 724-5048 or their Cottleville center at (636) 447-4212. Visit their website for a look at their facilities.