Is your child starting school soon? Art activities can help them get ready! Coloring and drawing teach skills that lead to school success. Here is how art prepares young learners.
Holding a Pencil
School means lots of writing. Kids need to hold a pencil correctly. Crayons and markers help children practice.
When kids color, their fingers learn the right grip. Their hands get stronger. By school time, they are ready to write letters and numbers.
Sitting and Focusing
In school, kids must sit and pay attention. This is hard for many young children. Art helps them practice.
Coloring requires sitting still. Kids focus on their picture. They learn to ignore distractions. These skills help them listen to their teacher.
Following Directions
Teachers give instructions all day. Kids must listen and follow them. Art activities teach this skill.
Simple art projects have steps. Draw a circle first. Color it blue. Add green grass below. Kids practice listening and doing what is asked.
Learning Letters and Numbers
Drawing shapes prepares kids for letters. Circles, lines, and curves become A, B, C. Kids who draw learn letters more easily.
Coloring books often include letters and numbers. Kids can trace and color them. This is early reading and math practice.
Using Scissors Safely
Many schools expect kids to cut with scissors. Art projects give lots of cutting practice. Kids learn to hold scissors and cut on lines.
This skill takes time to develop. Give your child safe scissors and paper. Let them practice before school starts.
Knowing Colors and Shapes
Teachers ask about colors and shapes. “Find the red circle.” “Point to the blue square.” Art teaches these basics.
Kids who color learn color names. Kids who draw learn shapes. They enter school with this important knowledge.
Expressing Ideas
In school, kids share their thoughts. They tell stories and answer questions. Art builds these communication skills.
When children explain their drawings, they practice talking. They organize their thoughts. They use new words. This prepares them to speak up in class.
Building Confidence
School can be scary. New place, new people, new rules. Confident kids handle it better.
Art builds confidence. Kids feel proud of their creations. They believe they can do hard things. This helps them face school bravely.
Working with Others
School means being with other kids. Children must share, take turns, and cooperate. Group art projects teach these skills.
When kids make art together, they practice social skills. They learn to work as a team. This helps them make friends at school.
Getting Used to Routines
School has a schedule. Art time, snack time, reading time. Having art time at home gets kids used to routines.
Set a regular time for art activities. This teaches children that activities have a time and place. They learn to follow schedules.
Start Art Early
The more art your child does before school, the more ready they will be. Set out crayons and paper often. Make art part of every day.
Your child will walk into school prepared and confident. Art is the perfect way to get ready for learning!