Use Art to Build Confidence in Kindergarten

 

Art is a fundamental part of any kindergarten curriculum. Kindergarten art projects are not just time-fillers to keep students busy in the kindergarten classroom; they help achieve important outcomes. Art activities for kindergarten develop language, creativity, and fine-motor skills while boosting a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Art activities also tackle two other important kindergarten goals by teaching organization and persistence to a task.

 

Speaking of organization, how do you face the challenges of setting up and maintaining an organized art area in kindergarten?  

 

 

Art shelves that have too many materials that are overflowing their containers can overwhelm students. In this case, less is more. By labeling the containers, kindergarteners understand that everything has a place and there’s a designated place for everything! 

Kindergarten students might want to suggest some categories of materials for the art shelf to broaden the offerings. It’s a good idea to have some novel materials that you can cycle in and out over time to keep children engaged and motivated to try new things.

 

A Kindergarten art center gives students an opportunity to use art materials at their discretion. This choice allows them to develop a sense of creativity and self-worth. Their smiles are priceless when they have created something “all by themselves.” The examples here show the endless possibilities of creative output when children have access to open-ended art materials and are encouraged to express themselves freely.

 

When we see unique representations of familiar themes such as the ones pictured here, we can feel confident that we’re inspiring young artists! If you walk into a room and see multiple rainbows that all look the same, we don’t get to experience each child’s artistic vision. You’ll never know if the next Picasso is in the making right in your kindergarten classroom.

 

Be that teacher who praises the process and admires the creative effort!

 

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Karen graduated from Franklin Pierce University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has been teaching in early childhood classrooms, as well as supervising teachers, for the past 24 years. She is currently teaching Kindergarten at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill, NJ. Karen is married with 2 boys ages 7 and 12.

 

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