How to Talk to Your Child About Their Art work; and how NOT to.
Oh the things you can do with an empty paper towel tube!
The little ones can find many creative ways to use an empty paper towel tubes: like for YELLING Things!!!! as this 4 year old says.
Look! She decorated her YELLING Thing all by herself using markers!
Isn’ the YELLING Thing precious? I think so because the 4 year old created this with her imagination using the skill level she has acquired up to today.
OK, I know folk who don’t understand child growth and development are not impressed, so hear me out.
- Children (adults,too) learn by doing. with practice we get better.
- Children get far more benefits from making things themselves from imagination than theyl do when hand every thing is manufactured and perfect looking.
What do you say to encourage the child? What NOT to say!
- Avoid saying their art is ‘stupid’,or ugly.
- Avoid asking ng “What is that piece of trash?”
- Avoid exclaiming “That is so beautiful! You are the best and smartest artist ever!”
Now really, I highly doubt Micheal Angelo’s mother’s encouraged his artistic talents when he painted the out house with mud or something by telling him he was the best artist EVER!
Ya think?
What can you say then, when your child so proudly decorates a toilet paper tube?
- You look at the expression on thieir face then reflect what you see.
I see a big smile on your face. Tell me how you are feeling about your work!
Then, you listen to what the child has to say.
- I see a yellow triangle shape up here on the left. How ever did you decide to put that yellow here and the pink next o it?
This kind of statement is non-judgemental.It also gives the child an opportunity to put their thoughts and feelings into words.
Can you think of other ways to encourage honestly?
I am Malika Bourne the No Non-cents Nanna saying, Make Good Chocics!”
Now it is your turn to share waht your child( or you) do with an empty paper towel tube.
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