Art Benefits and Why Clay Art is Great for Children

I have written about art benefits before, but here are more benefits on why children should get into art:

• encourages creativity
• improves connections in the brain in the default mode network
• helps to develop visualisation and interpretative skills
• allows children an avenue for self-expression
• teaches children that there is more than one right answer (multiple points of view)
• helps to build confidence because there is no “right answer” in art so children can feel pride in their artistic creations
• helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills (playing with play doh is also recommended as a pre-cursor for handwriting)
• trains concentration skills and helps us focus
• it’s therapeutic – it can reduce stress and anxiety and help us get over sadness
• promotes an upward spiral of flourishing
• helps us achieve the “flow” state – the mental state of operation where we are fully immersed in an activity with energised focus, complete involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity

It has also been claimed that the arts have a beneficial impact on school and academic performance. Unfortunately, the results from the studies are controversial. What is clear is that for children who are struggling academically, art classes may provide an opportunity for those children to shine and feel pride in their abilities. And, well, anything that helps children develop confidence is a good thing.

See also: 7 science-backed reasons you should make art even if you’re bad at it

Art Benefits: Childhood Creativity Leads to Innovation in Adulthood

But wait! There’s more! Psychology Today links early participation in arts and craft (including music and creative writing) to innovation in adulthood:

• childhood participation in arts and crafts leads to innovation
• people who own businesses or patents received up to eight times more exposure to the arts as children than the general public
• many mavericks of science and technology have a pattern of creative outlets that were key to their childhood
• creative activity in childhood rewires the brain to think out-of-the-box

Clay Art Modeling

Clay art modeling is a fun art activity that involves the sculpting and moulding of modeling clay into a variety of shapes and objects. Similar to Play-Doh, the main difference of modeling clay is its properties. It is firmer than play-doh which makes it easier for children to sculpt and shape their creative masterpieces.

Clay art with modeling clay is a good precursor to ceramic art with clay. Modeling clay can be colourful and non-toxic. It does not require a kiln for finishing, making it an easy material for younger children to work with. For more permanent art creations, you can use polymer clay (which needs to be baked in an oven to finish) or air dry clay.

Art Benefits of Clay Art

In addition to all the other benefits of art, clay modeling offers these added benefits:

• develops motor skills
• helps with creative problem-solving
• manipulating clay is therapeutic (much like sand play)

Further Reading:

• Childhood Creativity Leads to Innovation in Adulthood
• Arts and Smarts
• Benefits of Arts to Kids
• Art Benefits
• What are the Benefits of Art Education for Children?

Art Activities for Kids:

• Art and Craft: Jewellery Making
• Design a T-shirt
• Abstract Art
• Sticky Mosaics
• Sand Art
• Scratch Art
• Fingerprinting Art
• Stencil Art
• Batik Painting