Art therapy is a beautiful approach that fosters a deeper understanding of one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors among children and young people. Through artistic expression, they can visually represent their thoughts and emotions. By working alongside an art therapist, they can better understand themselves and explore potential solutions to their challenges.
For some children and young individuals, utilizing art therapy to express emotions can often feel more comfortable and less intimidating than traditional forms of verbal therapy, particularly when verbal communication poses challenges. The creation of objects and images can also serve as a valuable tool to observe and acknowledge the progress made.
In this article, we'll look into the deep effects of art therapy and how it can help kids share their feelings and grow emotionally in a healthy way.
Art as a Tool for Self-Expression
Art lets us say things about ourselves that nothing else can. Self-expression helps us get to know ourselves and deal with our feelings. Research shows that self-expression through the arts positively affects mood, function, cognition, and behavior. It is a big part of how we learn to connect and have deep relationships with others. Here are ways how art helps children develop self-expression.
Emotional Expression
Art uses rich visual language to show how people feel. The colors, lines, arrangement, and subject matter show the artist's feelings. For kids in art therapy, this non-verbal medium gives them a safe place to share feelings that might be hard for them to put into words. The art becomes a way for them to share what's going on inside, which is good for their mental health.
Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
Creating art is a beautiful way to boost children’s self-confidence as it celebrates and affirms their one-of-a-kind qualities. This results in a profound sense of achievement and self-value.
Moreover, the arts play a crucial role in fostering social identity, motivating children to pursue their goals, and strengthening their social skills with other kids. This affirmation and sense of belonging through artistic expression inspire the kids to build and maintain self-confidence at an early age.
Communication Skills
Art therapy has used arts and crafts for a long time to help kids talk about things they might not be able to say or have trouble putting into words. Many kids find it easier to make shapes and pictures with paint or markers and chalk than talking. When a child makes an image or plays with colors, they can sometimes try out what that picture or color means.
Essential Art Supplies for Child-Centered Art Therapy
Our list of must-have art tools is excellent for getting kids creative. These art supplies were chosen especially for the arts and crafts Philippines. They will help your children reach their full artistic potential.
1. Crayons
Crayons are excellent tools for creating inspirational art. They aid in developing fine motor skills, encourage creativity, and allow children to express their feelings and thoughts visually. Coloring also fosters focus, patience, and independence while preparing children for future writing skills.
Suitable for ages three and up, our Crayola We Bare Bears Art Case features a Dino Color and Erase Reusable Activity Pad with Markers. This set has a complete set of crayons, colored pencils, and colored markers in a variety of vibrant colors that are easily erasable with a damp cloth.
2. Doodles
Doodling is spontaneous, free-form drawing often done absentmindedly. For children, it nurtures creativity, enhances focus, reduces stress, and aids in emotional expression.
Get the Spirograph Neon Colour Design Kit. It is a creative treasure, complete with design pens, paper, wheels, rings, and a guide for step-by-step masterpieces. It combines art and math to craft stunning neon designs with endless possibilities. The durable carrying tin ensures easy storage and portability.
3. Klaypel
For young and old alike, Klaypel is a breath of fresh air in the form of creative expression. Reusing old paper in creative ways is an unusual art form. Self-care activities like Klaypel are especially important in today's fast-paced society since they encourage reflection and relaxation.
The Klaypel Master Kit Cat Dog Art Set for kids includes a 9x9 inch wood board with a built-in frame, eight Klaypel colors, and two sticks for a creative experience. It fosters motor skill development in children and provides a fun art activity for all ages. With various designs available, you can combine and mix colors to achieve your desired artistic results.
4. Clay
Clay for kids is perfect for kids because it lets them explore their senses through touch. It encourages creativity by letting them make up their shapes. It also improves fine motor skills by letting them play with it. Clay set also helps them learn how to solve problems, allows them to express their feelings, teaches them to be patient and focused, and gives them a calming sensory experience.
The Play-Doh Sweet 4-Pack Clay Set includes four 4 oz Play-Doh cans in a delightful range of colors—light blue, pink, orange, and light purple. It's a versatile addition, perfect for gifting, classroom projects, or spontaneous playtime. It also pairs seamlessly with Play-Doh tools and playsets, enhancing the creative possibilities for kids.
5. Paint
Painting helps kids develop creativity by exploring color mixing, composition, and artistic expression. As they use brushes and painting techniques, they improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Choosing how to depict ideas or images on canvas also promotes problem-solving. Painting helps build these life skills by requiring focus and concentration. Children share their artwork, encouraging storytelling and self-expression.
The Crayola Classic Washable Project Paint Set features six paint bottles in vibrant assorted colors. It's non-toxic and safe for all ages and perfect for creative endeavors and school projects. These washable paints aid in fine motor skill development, teach color theory through blending, and offer children a safe, enjoyable artistic experience.
Art therapy is an enlightening journey to help children share the emotions that are hard for them to express out loud. It gives kids a safe place to face their feelings and determine their meaning. So, drop by the nearest Toy Kingdom store or explore our collection of arts and crafts online to start your kid’s art therapy activities at home.
