When my daughter when back to school midway through the year, her classmates each wrote her a personal welcome letter about what they liked most about school. Aside from lunch and recess (ah, some things never change!), many of the students also liked art class.
I’m no artist, but I certainly appreciate the limitless benefits that art offers children.
Art is a multi-sensory activity that uses any or all of the senses. It builds dexterity, coordination, and fine motor skills by mastering the use of paint brushes and glue bottles, by fine-tuning clay sculptures, and by coloring inside (or outside) the lines. Art encourages children to think creatively and solve problems in a new and innovative way, particularly with open-ended art projects that involve even the simplest forms of decision making.
Art encourages children to think creatively and solve problems in a new and innovative way.
It’s often said that children’s minds are sponges at this age, and the information that they are absorbing has to be processed. Art allows children to process the world around them in a safe and contemplative way, and it allows children to express themselves in much the same way.
According to the International Child Art Foundation, “Research indicates that a child who is exposed to the arts acquires a special ability to think creatively, be original, discover, innovate, and create intellectual property—key attributes for individual success and social prosperity in the twenty-first century.”
So bring out the art box—creativity calls.
Our Favorite Kids Art Supplies
Brilliant Bee Crayons
We love these crayons; they’re about as smooth and vibrant as you can get. The set comes with 24 brilliant colors to choose from, and the slight triangle shape of the crayons make for a great ergonomic fit.
Dress-Me Notepads
These adorable sketch pads come with 50 sheets of sturdy drawing paper, each printed with the design of a small child waiting to be finished. Little ones can get creative and imagine themselves an astronaut, a superhero, or the president. We also love that these little pads fit into a bag or backpack easily.
Stampables Scented Double-Ended Stamp Markers
This set is like having two art supplies in one: 18 scented washable markers with a brush tip on one end and a stamp on the other. The brush tip is great for drawing and coloring, while the stamp tip is great for stamping tiny designs like flowers, ice cream cones, and apples. Plus, we love the carrying case which makes storing and traveling easy.
Dream Doodle Draw, Farm Friends Doodle Book
This farm-themed doodle book is filled with coloring and activity pages perfect for the youngest artists. There are cows and pigs to draw, tractors and silos to color, corn mazes to explore, and more.
I Heart Art Erasable Crayons
Erasable heart-shaped crayons. Need we say more? These 12 adorable crayons are easy-to-hold and can be twisted into an oval shape for a different feel.
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Photo credit: istock.com/eli_asenova
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