The Benefits of Art
Art is an activity that can be both healing and meditative for children and adults (Cruse, 2017). Creating art allows for creative expression in a safe manner, which can be especially beneficial for children with sensory differences (Cruse, 2017; Zulfikli, 2023). Children who find school or other activities challenging may excel in the arts, just like famous historical artists (Cruse, 2017). In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of art, how to promote participation in the arts, and ideas for art exploration!
What are the Benefits of Art?
How to Promote Artistic Exploration
Some children may be timid about exploring the arts, especially those with sensory processing differences. Try these methods for introducing your child to the arts:
Take a trip to a museum and discuss the different art mediums and historical art figures
Bonus: Discuss challenges that artists overcame, such as Leonardo di Vinci struggling with learning disabilities, to promote inclusion and self-confidence!
Sign up for arts and crafts classes. This allows children to try different types of art and discover what they enjoy
Create a sensory-friendly space for your child to create art. This may include removing visual distractions, modifying lighting, or providing noise-filtering headphones
(Woods, 2021)
Ideas for Art Exploration
Many mediums can be used to promote artistic exploration and expression, including:
Drawing and Painting
Allows for non-verbal communication and expression through visual means
Enhances problem-solving and spatial planning skills
Promotes bilateral coordination
Sensory Art Activities: Sculpting, Marble Painting, Shaving Cream Art, and More!
Explore different textures, colors, and more
Enhances sensory processing and regulation
Group Art Projects
Working with others promotes teamwork and collaboration skills
Encourages social interaction to develop social skills
Collages and Mixed Media
Facilitates exploration of different materials, such as paper, glue, and more
Enhances problem-solving, creativity, and self-expression
Cutting with scissors and gluing objects facilitates fine motor skill development
(Brooks, n.d.; Kenup, 2024; Zauderer, 2024)
If you are looking for a fun sensory art project, check out our post about creating sensory collages!
References
Brooks, L. (n.d.). The benefits of the arts for children with learning disabilities and how to get involved. Fort Wayne dance collective. https://fwdc.org/benefits-arts-children-learning-disabilities-get-involved/
Cruse, C. (2017, January 17). The benefits of arts for students with special needs. School speciality. https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/benefits-art-students-special-needs/
Integrity Inc. (2023, March 30). Benefits of art therapy for children with developmental disabilities. https://www.integrityinc.org/benefits-of-art-therapy-for-children-with-developmental-disabilities/
Kearns, D. (2004). Art therapy with a child experiencing sensory integration difficulty. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 21(2), 95-101.
Kenup, A. (2024). 7 sensory art activities to delight your preschool artist. Atlas mission. https://www.atlasmission.com/blog/7-sensory-art-activities-delight-preschool-artist/
Manning, V. (2023). The benefits of getting creative with your kids. How we play and learn. https://www.howweplayandlearn.com/post/getting-creative-with-kids
Pierce, K. (2022, July 30). 5 fun and educational activities with children. The occupational therapy hub. https://www.theothub.com/article/5-fun-and-educational-activities-with-children
Woods, R. (2021, September 28). How the arts can benefit children with learning disabilities. Disability insider. https://disabilityinsider.com/story/how-the-arts-can-benefit-children-with-learning-disabilities/
Zauderer, S. (2024, January 9). The benefits of autism art therapy. Cross river therapy. https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/autism/the-benefits-of-autism-art-therapy
Zulkifli, N. A. (2023, October 10). The wonders and benefits of art for children with autism. Autism parenting magazine. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/art-for-children-with-autism/#:~:text=Build%20and%20develop%20feelings%20and,as%20making%20collages%20and%20crafts.