Approximately 17% of the school-age population in the United States has at least one developmental disability. The parents of these children are often looking for ways to connect with and help their kids learn, grow, and engage with the world in healthy ways. Arts and crafts are known to have a positive impact on students with learning disabilities. It can give them confidence and an outlet for self-expression, all while helping them develop valuable skills.
If you want to learn more about how you can help children with developmental disabilities get involved in the arts, here are some helpful tips from Adoption & Beyond.
Head to a Concert in the Park
A concert in the park is a great way to introduce your child to different music genres and instruments. As a bonus, many of the events are free and family-friendly. You don’t have to worry about the cost or content, which can be a relief.
As you listen, talk to your child about the music. See which genres or instruments they prefer. Then, consider adding some of them to your own home. A simple starter instrument could give your child an excellent outlet for self-expression and may spark a passion that they’ll carry with them throughout their life.
Check Out a Local Art Museum
Local art museums can be fantastic sources of inspiration. It lets your child explore a wide selection of artistic works from local and regional artists, creating opportunities for them to find styles that interest them. If you don’t have a great museum near you or if your child is nervous about visiting one, you could let your child take virtual museum tours online. It can be a great way to view some different art styles and pick a favorite. Plus, virtual tours mean you can see a wide range of art and artists together with your child.
Make Arts and Crafts a Fun Activity to Share
When you want to give your child a hands-on experience with art, simple craft projects can be a great way to begin. Often, you can do them at home on a dining table with low-cost supplies, making this an accessible option for everyone. If the project is more tactile, like finger painting or using clay, it can be a good way to build acceptance for kids with sensory issues.
As you prepare the arts and crafts project, work alongside your child. You can either do one project together or create your own versions separately. As long as you are nearby, they can get help with ease. However, make sure to give them room for their creativity. That way, they can express themselves with great ease, making the experience more valuable. Moreover, the LD Resources Foundation explains that art can be a great outlet for kids who struggle to express themselves verbally.
Set Up an Art Space
If your child has a love for art and you have enough room in your home, create an art space/studio where they can draw, paint, and craft. Try to keep this space organized by investing in some shelves and bins that you can label. If you plan on creating a multifunctional space, this could even boost your home’s value. Keep receipts and take photos to quantify any work you’ve had done.
The More, the Merrier
At times, inviting other kids to learn alongside your child could be an excellent idea. It allows them to be social with children their age and may make learning something new less intimidating.
Often, the easiest way to begin is to arrange playdates with other parents. However, if you determine that teaching arts and crafts is something you adore, you can take it to the next level. In some cases, you can get started by teaching as a side hustle. But by launching a new teaching business you can expand even more.
If you’re ready to start a new company, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the process is simple. Usually, the first step you’ll need to tackle is writing a business plan. Your plan should describe your company, target market, and any competitive advantages you have. It should also detail your management and business structure, sales plan, funding needs, and financial projections.
Helping Your Child, the Artist
These are just a few ideas to help your child discover the wonderful world of art. With so much to explore, the options can be almost limitless. Plus, over time, your child may develop a passion for a particular medium, which can be an incredible way for them to express themselves and relate to the world around them.
If your child was adopted from Adoption & Beyond, remember that we offer support services throughout the entire process. We understand there are many challenges involved in raising a child. Visit us online to reconnect.
This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Our services are not financial, business or legal advice. The information presented here is not a guarantee that you will obtain any results or earn any money using our content. Adoption & Beyond, Inc. owns all copyrights to the materials presented here unless otherwise noted.
