By Lillian Brooks, Guest Author
Photo by Unsplash
Learning disabilities can cause children to lose confidence in their abilities, feel like they aren’t good learners, and think new things aren’t worth trying. But you know your child can learn and that she is a strong and smart person who sometimes just needs a different approach. That’s where the arts come in, because getting her involved in artistic learning can help build her self-esteem and even strengthen her learning and social skills. For those activities done at home, you’ll want to set the stage for open expression and positivity to optimize the learning environment by first removing any sources of distraction, such as clutter. Then you and your child can focus on the task at hand: the arts!
Laity Arts outlines some ways to encourage your child to try new artistic pursuits.
Dance
Dance used to simply be a way to teach children how to be graceful, but it’s more than that. Dance encourages focus, memorization, movement, and body control, and dancing as a group teaches timing, rhythm, and collaboration. Plus, your child will be tired afterward, which will help encourage a healthy sleep pattern.
● 5 Reasons Why Dance is Good for Kids
● How to Choose the Best Dance Style for Your Kids
Paint
Painting teaches a child how to use her hands, reinforces motor skills, and teaches about shapes and color contrast. Many children with learning disabilities might have trouble expressing themselves verbally or through writing, but they have a great knack for the visual arts, so encouraging your child to express her talent by painting can also be a huge boost to her confidence.
● The Benefits of Painting for kids
● 6 Famous Artists for Kids to Study
● Best Online Art Classes for Kids
Sew simple projects
Sewing is a mess-free individual or group activity that can be a great way for children with learning disabilities to express themselves creatively. There are all kinds of online materials that can help her get started, whether she wants to create a simple pillowcase project or learn a practical skill, like sewing buttons on a shirt.
Through its use of soft material, sewing can also be a gentle way to help your child develop her sensory skills, especially if she struggles with tactile sensory issues. As with your home office if you work from home, have safety in mind by keeping needles and other potentially harmful objects stored away and out of reach during unsupervised periods.
● Teaching Kids To Sew: Why It's Important and How To Do It
● Easy Sewing Projects for Kids Ages 8-12 ● Sewing For Teen Girls: Patterns, Fitting, & Tips For Success
Act it out
Theater teaches kids how to be prepared, understand emotions and be empathetic, think critically, and engage and collaborate with others. Having confidence is also a skill she’ll develop, because it takes courage to get on a stage and perform in front of others.
● How the Performing Arts Benefit Kids
● Stage fright: How to Help Kids with Performance Anxiety
Getting your child to express her artistic talent can open up new worlds for her creative abilities. While one part of her brain might struggle, the other parts will thrive. She’ll learn valuable skills and express her creative mind. But most importantly, she’ll learn that she’s more than just her learning disability. She’s the amazing, talented child that you see in her every day.
Laity Arts specializes in direct, meaningful instruction, and confidence building through the visual and performing arts as supplemental education for children after school. Connect today for more info! 661.200.5695 or 888.732.6092
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