A guest post by Lillian Brooks encourages parents to get their special needs children involved in arts activities.
Getting your child started in the arts is a wonderful way to help them socialize, learn new skills, and find new ways to express themselves. For children who are living with a learning difference, creative pastimes can also boost confidence. If you’ve been curious about how to help your child get involved in the arts, think about their interests and how to incorporate them into a new hobby. There are many options to choose from, from visual arts to dance.
It’s important to note that while many creative hobbies can teach children skills that translate to better performance in school, some kids need a little extra help staying focused. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, take a look at HomeworkCoach and note their resources for helping children get organized and find success at school.
Use this short guide to find the right creative pursuit for your child with a learning disability:
Get crafty
For most kids, crafting is a relaxing, fun way to take a break from schoolwork, and kids of any age can benefit as long as they have the right tools. Safety scissors, glitter, glue, markers, and construction paper are the basics, but you can get creative with different materials–such as dry macaroni, paper plates, and plastic containers–as long as they’re age-appropriate. Consider creating a room in your home that’s just for arts and crafts time, which might include easy-to-clean floors, a sink for washing up, or built-in cabinets to hold supplies. Just make sure you hang onto receipts and invoices as proof to show an appraiser should you decide to sell your home down the road; this will ensure that you get the highest possible appraisal value.
Find self-expression with dance
Like crafting, dancing can be a relaxing, fun pastime for kids of any age, but it can also help them develop confidence, make social connections, and learn about behavioral expectations that don’t come naturally to them. In a classroom setting at school, children with ADHD can have a hard time focusing on tasks while having to stay in one place, but in a dance class, they’ll get the benefit of movement. Not only that, they’ll develop their self-expression skills, which can help them manage big feelings and regulate impulsive behaviors.
Utilize art therapy for anxiety
For many kids who are living with ADHD and other learning differences, the world can often feel like an overwhelming place, making activities like dancing with a class nearly impossible. They may feel intense emotions but have trouble expressing themselves; they might feel anxious in new situations or simply cannot handle the sensory stimulation. Art therapy is a very useful tool for these issues, allowing kids a sense of calm and a measure of control over their environment. You might look for specific, fun art prompts to help your child get started.
Get involved
Whether you’re helping your child learn dance moves or make crafts, getting involved in these creative activities can benefit them even more. You might even consider trying the hobby yourself!
Helping your child with a learning difference get involved in the arts is a great way to show them different coping methods while boosting their self-esteem.
Photo via Pexels
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