Arts N Crafts

I have a-love-hate relationship for the arts n crafts session in chickadee's playschool. But I absolutely love the idea that it is in someway beneficial to the chickadee. 

ok google. Enlighten me. 

"Art involves unstructured activities in which you can explore with your imagination, whereas crafts involve structured activities with a specific goal in mind" 

Can't define it any better myself.

Here is the list of benefits from http://www.livestrong.com as summarised by moi:

1) Imagination and Self-expression
Creativity and imagination receives strong stimulation while kid is doing arts and crafts. The kid can also learn about symbolic communication through the art he creates, choosing various colors to communicate feelings, for example.

2) Individual Craftsmanship
Skills and talents developed and enhanced. Can benefit from setting goals for achievement. Child can look back at progress to note the strengthening and refinement of her skills. *wow really?*

3) Strengthening Academics
Many literacy and mathematical concepts can become easier to comprehend and even more interesting with the addition of art. 

4) Life Skills
As they create a work of art, they have begun the process of communicating visually. Also builds problem-solving skills, fine motor skills and even social skills as she works with artistic media. Learning to make her own creations and noticing other kids' creations provide important opportunities for the appreciation of other people's strengths and acceptance of her own abilities. *ok I don't think the chickadee gets this yet* A child also learns that the ability to follow directions is an integral part of the satisfaction of seeing the final result when making a craft.

Good stuff. My Chinese genes are excited. My child is reaping its rewards.

Lets just say that it started out as a torture.

I mean do I want to see my only treasure get upset after every arts n crafts session? Hell No..

Do we enjoy coaxing and holding her hand while she repeatedly pulls away with a why-are-u-doing-this-to-me face?   

But seriously, nurturing and patience go a looong way..

Now her most used phrase is "I do. I do". And that is exactly how it is at her arts n crafts session in playschool..

                                 The chickadee's own unassisted creation

Sometimes as a parent, you just gotta let go and trust that she can do it. I know we are only talking about craft here. But as a parent, you know it's a milestone.

If you are looking to work on a handicraft with your young kid, here's a few pointers you may want to take note of. 

I got this from www.kidspot.com.au which of course I summarised:

1) Don't force
Don't force if they are not keen to finish a project. simply encourage and reward when they do finish something.

2) Don't get too complex
Very discouraging if get part-way through a project and finding that you can't complete it

3) Start simple
Get familiar with tools, materials and techniques first. Complete something simple so your child can gain confidence and want to try something more.

4) Allow time and space
Give time to yourself and your child - to think, to enjoy what you're doing, to be creative, to experiment and to enjoy each other.

In short, just remember you are doing it with your child who is new at it. So just consider it as a game and have fun!