Art Online for Kids

Benefits of Art

You make sure your child eats right, gets plenty of rest, and gets the best education possible, but what about ensuring that your child's creativity is stimulated? Maybe you've never taken much interest in art, but did anyone ever encourage you? Do you really want to overlook this important area of your child's development? Art is more than just coloring a pretty picture. In fact, art can play a big influence in how your child develops.

Art online for kids is just one way you can tap into your child's imagination and creativity. Encouraging your child to delve into art projects will also strengthen her cognitive and problem-solving skills, her sensory abilities, and her fine motor skills. A child who is involved in various areas of art typically becomes more well-rounded in other areas of her life. According to Americans for the Arts, " young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours, three days a week for a year are: four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools, and four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair."

Introducing Art to Your Child

Some children gravitate toward art projects without much, if any, prompting. These kids will find some way to express their artistic side without any prompting. However, most children simply don't want to take the time to discover the world of art. Turning on the TV or playing a video game is much easier and (to them) much more exciting. So, how do you introduce art to your child?

• Create an art supply box-Purchase a variety of art supplies to keep on hand, such as construction paper, crayons, markers, glue, glitter paint, play dough, scissors, etc. Pull the box out, and help your child start a new project.
• Visit art exhibits-If you haven't already discovered the art museums and galleries in your area, what are you waiting for?
• Purchase art books-If your child needs a little inspiration, find arts and crafts books that he can look through. He can copy the pictures and try new projects.
• Sign your child up for art classes-Check with your local recreation department, chamber of commerce, and art supply store for a schedule of classes that might be offered.
• Find art online for kids-There are numerous art sites available online for your kids to enjoy.

Finding Art Online for Kids

Children's sites focused on art can have a variety of features. Some sites offer interactive activities that kids can enjoy. Others may allow kids to post their own artwork and even enter art competitions. Check out the following sites, and let us know if there are any sites we should add to the list by leaving a comment:

• Family Fun.com-You'll find lots of arts and crafts ideas at this site, complete with directions and pictures.
• LD Online-Check out the kids' art gallery, and read up on how your kids can enter their artwork.
• Kids' Painting Activities-There are numerous activities at this site that allow children to paint with a mouse instead of a paintbrush.
• Smithsonian Education-This is a wonderful site that offers kids interactive, informative art tours, as well as numerous online games and activities.
• Garden of Praise-Find numerous art appreciation lessons at this site, including stories about famous artists, worksheets, and coloring projects.
• Access Arts-Let your kids paint their own masterpieces online!
• YugZone-This site has numerous adorable pictures for your kids to paint online.
• All Kids-Access free coloring pages and pictures as well as online painting and free printables at this site.
• MOMA-You and your kids don't have to travel to New York City to visit the Museum of Modern Art. Access MOMA's site for some great activities for your kids.