Dealing with changes in routine, even environmental and social changes, can create a plethora of emotions in children. Helping children deal with big emotions can sometimes be achieved with art. Finger painting, tearing paper, even just coloring in a coloring book, all wonderful elements and stepping stones to conversation, and calmness. Even as an adult I still find comfort in painting, drawing, writing stories etc. Repeating patterns is effective in regulating emotions, and the nervous system. (www.weareteachers.com) There are so many resources available now to help any of us Parents, Day homes, Day care centers, teachers etc., all at our fingertips for our little people. Take some time and explore art yourself 🙂
From discussing emotions, and singing about them, to drawing out how we feel, any outlet is still an outlet. One of my favorite crafts is to discuss how colors make us feel, and watching the stunned expressions on their faces when they learn how each color can affect their environment . Sunshine yellow makes us feel warm, red as angry, black and grey as sad, discussing all the colors. Little minds learning that sometimes when we can’t say how we are feeling, we can show our emotions through colors. Drawing mad lines, happy lines, even excited lines, then adding corresponding colors to create a story without words.
Adding in natural elements, and textures, is possible while creating art outside. Art takes on a different look when they are allowed to be barefoot and dig their little toes in the grass or sand. From Rock people, to making airplanes from twigs and leaves, there’s always so much fun and happiness. Children open up, and accept art as extensions as themselves. Their favorite art is their own art. Direction in teaching, and imagination when creating 🙂
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