Kids’ activities can be fun and attention-grabbing for preschoolers, but many are also useful in other ways. For example, arts and crafts promise an array of benefits you might not expect. Making time to put together artistic activities that you can enjoy with your children will help them in a variety of ways.

Why You Should Do Arts & Crafts With Your Preschooler

1. Encourage Creativity & Self-Expression

Everyone needs an outlet with which to convey their thoughts and emotions, and for many kids, arts and crafts are an easy way to do that. With colors, shapes, and textures, they can display their feelings and interests in a safe, controlled way. Even if there’s nothing they feel compelled to express, they’ll thrive on the opportunity to explore their imagination, which develops memory, self-confidence, and an ability to think clearly.

2. Develop Coordination & Fine Motor Skills

Working with paints; pasting or taping objects together; and grasping pens, markers, crayons, and scissors help preschoolers develop their fine motor skills. Drawing straight and confident lines also requires coordination, which is another essential ability for your child to practice. If they’re learning letters and numbers, you can even encourage them to incorporate them into their art, further cementing the concepts in their mind.

3. Practice Logical Thinking & Soft Skills

To make their artwork turn out the way they want, your preschooler will have to make decisions, solve problems, and develop their cognitive skills. For example, they have to ask themselves what color an object should be, and if that color isn’t available, they have to decide what to do instead. If their project isn’t turning out according to their plans, it also allows them to practice soft skills, including patience and stress management.

4. Facilitate Socialization

Most preschoolers love to participate in kids’ activities that allow them to meet and interact with their peers. They can bond over their projects, learn from each other’s ideas, communicate admiration or curiosity, and even connect with other children who may share similar interests. If they’re all using the same materials, it also lets them practice teamwork and sharing, which are crucial social skills for prekindergarten classes and other kids' activities.

Located in Anchorage, AK, Northern Lights Preschool & Child Care offers quality arts and crafts and other engaging and educational kids’ activities. As a licensed daycare and learning center, they have a variety of age-appropriate programs that focus on helping children feel comfortable, safe, and happy while developing their skills and minds. They also offer transportation services to those who need them. To register your child, call them today at (907) 274-2040 or message them online.