I’ve been working creatively with kids now for about twenty years in one form or another and here is a dinky sample of the many things they have taught me, and are still teaching me.  Most of this was learned while having the title of art teacher to small fries in various schools.

Don’t assume that everything a child creates is “beautiful” and gush away about it. Unless you are truly moved by the beauty of their work don’t say “That’s beautiful!”  Children so readily express their emotions in their art. For all you may know the art could be about something not so beautiful like jealousy, anger, etc. So this could be quite confusing to them.

The most important thing is to let them have their way with whatever they are working on.

For example here are two kids who took  mermaid shaped puppet templates during the puppet making portion of  The Capture and Return of Bald Beatrice the Baby Mermaid” this summer and made them into pirates. I always make a point of telling them to do whatever they want to do with the templates. and this is a fantastic example of kids doing  just that. And look how happy they are!

Try not to compliment kids on their talent or intelligence which is inherent and has nothing whatsoever to do with the child. The development of talent has everything to do with the child, so think in terms of complimenting effort such as “You worked so hard on this!” Even if they whipped out a masterpiece painting with one hand tied behind their back, or built an futuristic town out of sticks and rocks you can say “You had a idea and you made it happen!”

Nonverbal compliments are the best, least distracting and interfering encouragements to give to children about the creative things they bring forth. You can compliment them easily and successfully by simply walking by while they are working and pat them on the head or back, or squeeze their shoulder. You can catch their eye from across the room and give a wink, a thumbs up, an A-OK sign with your fingers or even a basic smile will do.
These nonverbal messages acknowledge their efforts, actually acknowledge them, and go a long way in making children feel comfortable and confident about their creative journeys.

Most importantly resist the urge to tell them how to do their artwork, create their sculptures, build their forts, make up their stories etc. You can show them materials and tools and the basic techniques for using them, but once that’s done, step aside and get yourself out of their way.

If you are so moved, and have some strong ideas about what things should look like, have a seat and make your own.

You may also enjoy: The ABC’s of Creativity | Help Save Handmade Children’s Items! |