Artists Start Early
“I want to make something,” says 4-year old Declan. “What would you like to make?” asks his father. “Dad, let’s get some glue, string and rocks,” declares the enthusiastic boy, “I’m making an art project!”
What a spontaneously creative child! He’s planning an inventive use of everyday materials. Like most 4-year-olds, Declan wants to create an art project, simply for the purpose of being creative, with an undetermined outcome. Declan’s father, careful not to discourage his child’s creative spark, encourages the project and jumps in himself.
Relax, Its Just Art!

Declan is lucky. Many adults inadvertently inhibit creativity by having, and setting, unreasonable standards of performance for the child’s age, such as: “Why don’t I get you some paper and stickers instead?” “Why don’t you try making something specific?” This reveals an adult’s more limited view of creative possibilities (‘I’m no good at art”) at a time when a child is seeking enthusiastic encouragement. This is mainly due to the fact that adults do not understand, have forgotten, or are uncomfortable with the creative process.
If we don’t feel creative, how can we offer inspiration and artistic guidance to children?

Know The Golden Rule of Art and Dive In!
The good news is that with art there is no “right” or “wrong.” Follow the Golden Rule of Art – “Art is in the eye of the beholder and in the mind of its creator – the only “rules” are being safe and keeping your materials in good shape. Let a child’s vision of art unfold naturally as a journey. Recall the joy of your childhood days spent coloring, rubber stamping, candle dipping, potholder looping, pastel sketching, clay squeezing and lanyard tying, and then it’s easy to understand the excitement of a child seated at an table with an array of colorful, tactile craft materials within arm’s reach. Offering children their satisfying artistic experiences allows them pride through creative expression…teaching self-assurance and problem solving skills.
With his “recipe” of string, glue and rocks, Declan is teaching his father about the ease of art, and invites us to change our perspectives about what it means to “be creative” ourselves. His father, unquestioning of his son’s plans, immediately moves to a kitchen drawer to locate the washable glue and embarks upon priceless father-son bonding time and an exciting creative journey!

ARTBEAT’s Easy, Five-Step Plan to Help Spark Creativity.

1. KNOW YOUR CHILD AND TUNE INTO WHAT THEY WANT IN AN ART EXPERIENCE. Are they seeking a group activity with an individual or a shared project, or is this a request for solitary time? Are they more confident with a familiar project or looking to try something that is completely new? Are they seeking instant gratification or do they have the attention and determination to start a project of some duration and complexity, such as decorating a doll house? Do they want an adult’s full participation or to be an observer who is available for consultation?

2. CONSIDER THE CHILD’S AGE. A school art teacher or an art store professional can advise you on projects and materials that are age-appropriate. Early-age art materials tend to be washable, brightly colored with stubby grips; save fine-tipped permanent markers for older children. It’s important not to frustrate children with something that is too complicated for them to enjoy, or too simplistic for them to be engaged. Don’t pre-ordain the selection: boys are very eager to make jumbo tissue paper flowers and girls enjoy dinosaur, and cowboy colored sand pictures.

3. “INSTRUCT” BY “TRYING” Resist being “in charge” by letting yourself experience things as if for the first time. Watch what happens to the paint when you brush blue over yellow. Enjoy the possibilities of randomly placed mosaic tiles and don’t fret if clay gets caught in your jewelry. Resist jumping up for the phone or attending to dinner preparation. A child wants a shared adventure and your undivided attention. Trying to be in charge of the direction heaps unnecessary pressure and expectation!
Children are natural mimics; this is a great opportunity to instruct by example. Make appreciative, specific, but non-judgmental comments that encourage your child to talk (“Wow, look at the way that red looks next to that yellow!”) Resist the urge to over-focus on your child’s project. Instead, focus on doing it too, and waiting for their cue to interact.

4. QUALITY COUNTS. Venture out to select your materials together, and definitely indulge in nice quality materials. Sculpey® Clay which can be long reused or hard-baked and vibrant water-soluble beeswax Lyra Aquacolor® crayons which are a substitute for oil pastels and watercolors are just two examples of material upgrades that are very rewarding. Sit side-by-side and work on your own project as your child works on theirs. Your child appreciates knowing that you like art too!

5. FOR SUCCESS, PLAN AHEAD. “Measure twice, cut once” applies to art. Be familiar with the instructions in advance. Set up a clear, protected work space and offer your child a smock. Always demonstrate the correct, safe way to use tools, i.e., how to pass scissors (even if they are round-tipped). Practice these skills so you’re comfortable that they understand. For example: “We always keep clay or Play-Doh® on the counter/table and never on the floor because that keeps it nice and soft so that we can use it again.” Or “let’s use one color of sand at a time so that the colors stay nice and bright.” If you approach craft project planning as you would follow step-by-step instructions of a cooking recipe (see ARTBEAT’s “art recipes” in sidebar), there will be a logical flow leading to success.

Creating art is entertaining for children of all ages and is a popular tradition for long afternoons, birthday parties and summer camps. Kids just dive in and go! Art and kids are a proven formula for happiness: it’s as if kids understand these five easy steps to inspiring adults to be creative, and adults would have more fun if they practiced the Golden Rule of Art for themselves.

by Jan Whitted as seen in Baystate Parent
Found at http://www.artbeatonline.com/art_articles/creative_child.html