My take on Art/crafts for kids...

meljas05 · March 2010

I think the idea mentioned below about crafts/art time with the children is a GREAT IDEA...

Given that--I have to return to my former life of college art/preschool/daycare teaching... PLEASE remember: its the PROCESS, and not the PRODUCT that you are emphasizing!!!! I think art is so much more meaningful to the children if they are not forced to draw a line a specific way, or shown a PERFECT example of what to make, then feel defeated when theirs doesn't look the same.

I hate coloring or drawing things for children. I use my non-dominant hand to color/draw with DD.

I'll step down from my soapbox-- and like I said-- I love the idea, but just don't force your kids to do an activity if they don't want to, and don't focus on "perfection" at the end! modify things to age appropriate activities for them!

summerbrideDC · March 2010

I SO need to be reminded of this.

A little while ago Ethan was making blobs with his glitter glue and it was irritating the hell out of me, which is ABSURD. I was trying to show him how to draw w/ them, but it's hard to draw w/ glitter glue! And I was getting frustrated and totally ruined the experience for him.

Gah! Thank you for the reminder. I love watching him explore with arts and crafts and have to take some deep breaths and learn NOT to expect anything but his joy out of the process.

Andrewsgal · March 2010

I could not agree with you more. The stuff that DD brings home from school is hit or miss. I can tell right away if she did everything (cut, color, glue) or if it was done by the teacher. Anything I know she did not do I throw away, why keep the work of a 40 year old? I would rather have a cut/past project that looks horrible that i know she did over something that looks fabulous.

omurray · March 2010

A good reminder to keep it about the kid - thanks! I've actually had a couple recent experiences where I thought DS needed help with something, but he wanted to do it on his own, so I forced myself not to interfere (hard for me!) and he was absolutely able to do it on his own and I was so proud, and so was he! I need to remember to step back more often.