I’ve taught a lot of art classes for children over the years. I’ve talked about the importance of allowing ample time for creative exploration, and I truly think that shouldn’t end with childhood.
Creativity keeps us young in mind and spirit. It calms us by giving our over-stimulated brains a rest, and the best part is we don’t have to be artists to practice creativity. It’s not about the end product; it’s about the therapeutic process.
I think that is why art is one of my favorite classes to teach. I still LOVE to play with preschool art materials!! Do you?
Opening a fresh pack of unused crayons, with all those perfect points of color and potential, gives me more joy than it should! And, oh, the beauty in a blank piece of paper (unless its corners are bent or there’s a wrinkle, of course) fills me with hope! Don’t even get me started talking about play doh and pinching pieces apart while inhaling that unforgettable aroma. And, seriously, when is the last time you “accidentally” let glue dry on your hand so you could peel it off, hopefully in one large patch, like a lizard shedding skin?
Please tell me I’m not the only one!! If it’s been a while, I encourage you to give it a try! Bring out the art materials today and then ask your child to scoot over! You’ll probably surprise your child, and you may even surprise yourself with how much fun you have!