TheraPlay4Kids Guest Speaker Series:
How to Introduce the Arts to Kids With Learning Disabilities
Gabriel Patel with Health Well Wise
Gabriel Patel enjoys writing about health and wellness. He co-founded Health Well Wise with a group of friends who share the desire to help people live happy, healthy lives.
Art Provides Invaluable Growth & Learning Experiences
Sometimes all it takes is a big blank canvas or some air-dry clay. For other kids, perhaps it's ballet and classical music or writing. Either way, art is invaluable for kids - especially those with learning disabilities, as it can help them better express their thoughts and feelings and improve their motor skills, to name a few. Art helps with self-expression, identity formation, communication, and letting go through the creative process. It can also significantly help with behavioral issues, socialization, and self-confidence.
Art therapy might be just the ticket your kid needs. Here are several ways to help get your child involved in the arts today.
Go to a Museum
To create art, you need to gain exposure to the arts. What better way than to make a little day trip out of visiting your local museum? This will help spark your kid's artistic interests (in a non-pressuring way), inspiring them to bring their unique ideas to life. Try to mix things up and expose them to displays of different kinds - from historical shoe exhibits to photography displays. However, museum exposure can be overwhelming and tiring for your little one. Plan ahead by looking up the layout so you can be efficient with your time and efforts.
Pick Out a Musical Instrument
According to the Berkeley Greater Good Magazine, music stimulates the left side of the brain, benefitting creative and cognitive fluency. Getting your child interested in music at a young age will help develop their problem-solving abilities and processing capacity while providing them with a stress-busting tool for life. Some instruments may be more suitable for your child's needs compared to others. For example, drums may not be the best option for a neuro-sensitive child due to sensory overload. But the flute or organ may just be the right move for them! If you’re musically inclined yourself, you can teach your child how to play their instrument. Doing so could even lead you to take on other clients, starting a side hustle that could help you fund your child’s musical and artistic endeavors. If you want to explore starting a music-based side business, learn more here.
Put On Shows
Play and performance - two activities that kids of any age love getting into! Healthline reports that the act of mindless, purposeless play is the ticket to getting kids to express their true nature and let go in an unbridled, carefree manner. You could do this in a more structured way, by setting up dance recitals or music shows every month, at home or with close friends. You could also ensure there are impromptu opportunities for play in everyday life. This could include putting on a skit with made-up characters or having a show and tell in the garden. Set up a bedsheet tent cave for a memorable performance that will foster an unforgettable bonding experience for both you and your kid.
Set Up an Art Oasis
The best way to get your kid involved in the arts is to create a haven for art therapy. If you have an unused area in your home, like an empty basement or a spare room, why not convert it into an art room? Here, you can store art supplies and materials, instruments and toys, and other tools related to their artistic development. In giving your child a designated space to explore their creative endeavors, you'll also be investing in their mental wellbeing for the present and future. Try to do minor updates like adding in quality shelving or changing out the floors, as the right updates can significantly increase your home's appraisal value if you want to sell it down the line.
Art is a Tool That Everyone Can Enjoy
Art is truly a magical tool that can help your kid transform, flourish and thrive in an unprecedented manner. The best part is, art and creativity are beneficial for everybody regardless of skill or experience level. By using art, you're giving your child a chance to develop tools for confidence and freedom while providing learning opportunities. Time to get creative!
To learn more about Gabriel Patel and Health Well Wise visit the following links:
Gabriel Patel at Health Well Wise
