Indonesia
Connected to the Kids with Art
When is the best time to teach the kids creativity? “The sooner, the better,” Dr Kerry Freedman, the Head of Art and Design Department of University of Northern Illinois, US, replied. “Kids learn in visual way before they learn through writing.”
Want to try out Kerry’s opinion, Supermom? Here are some simple ways to get us closer to the kids with art.
Talk about Their Work
Ask the kids to explain their creations. Lure them with questions that demand describing answer, instead of “yes” or “no”. “Why is it green?” is better than, ”Is this a bird or a tree?” According to Molly H Campbell, the Manager of Program and Operational for Kids Art Center in San Fransisco, this way is also helpful in establishing their esteem. “Kids know that we are interested, care and enthusiast with their idea,” she said.
Work With Them at Home
Have some basic tools of art to use with the kids. Make time to sit with them in the afternoon or bright weekend and make something up. It is vital for the kids to know, are their parents want to get involved in what they do. So, take a break from kitchen clean up, put down our smartphone and start focus drawing, painting coloring or cutting out pictures with them.
Visit the Museum
Museum is no longer a boring, must avoid place for kids. The management has realized the need of providing informal teaching for young visitors. In the past 15 years, museums that are designed to be enjoyed by the kids are emerging all over the world. They have storyteller and puppet show for the kids as part of what they have to offer. There’s no need to go all the way to Metropolis Art Museum in New York. In Batu, East Java, Fauna Museum, Jatim Park II is ready and waiting for them.
HAFIDA INDRAWATI
PHOTOS: THINKSTOCKS
