Introducing Art to My Little One

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

24 Jul 2008 03:28 PM

Chances are that you are already introducing your baby to art whenever you look at a picture book or name colors and shapes, but why not go a little bit further and expose your toddler to more sophisticated fare. You might be surprised at how much he picks up and understands.

I learned this lesson myself earlier today. A new friend invited us to an art program for children at a local museum. The program was geared for children aged three through ten with a parent. My two older children fall within this range and were excited about the prospect of attending. I also brought my two-year-old along.

One thing that really surprised me was how much my little one enjoyed the program and how much he got out of it. We took a tour through the gallery, and the focus was on animals, something that pretty much any young child can relate to. The tour guide pointed out how different brush strokes made things look smooth or rough in feathers or fur, how the bent leg on a horse indicated movement, and how a shaft of sunlight could give a painting a sense of warmth. After the tour, the kids gathered at tables to use their imaginations to make their own animal crafts.

It wasn't too far into the program tour that my little one was pointing out paintings and colors in them. He noticed a white sleeping dog in a corner of a white bed and a brown and white cow next to a black and white one. As he chattered on about what he was experiencing, I realized that I should give him more of these same types of opportunities despite his age.

Have you introduced your little one to art by visiting a museum or looking through art books? Please share.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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