During the preschool years, children typically become more independent and have more noticeable personality traits. They often struggle both with controlling their emotions and relating kindly to others, particularly when they are frustrated. Preschoolers are also intensely fascinated by pretend play, so art is an excellent teaching tool. Well-designed art projects can encourage both social and emotional development in children at this age.
Drawing
Preschoolers often struggle to express their feelings in words, but may create vivid pictures that capture their emotional state. This tendency is so strong that child psychologists frequently ask young children to draw pictures of their feelings. When your preschooler is angry or sad, give him crayons, markers or pencils and a large piece of paper. Encourage him to tell you what the picture represents. Preschoolers' art is not typically well-formed, so you'll likely need the child's guidance to understand what he has created. Try saying, "Tell me about this." This directive encourages open communication about feelings, which encourages both social and emotional development.
Puppet Shows
Puppet shows encourage children to take the perspectives of other people, both real and imagined. This encourages the development of empathy, an important component of social skills and emotional development. Try making simple finger or stick puppets with your child, then allowing your child to act out a scene for you. Alternatively, present a recent real-life scenario to your child and ask her how the puppets feel. For example, try asking, "How did the puppet feel when her mommy told her she was having another baby?"
Cooperative Art
Cooperative art is a great way to build cooperation and empathy. Give two preschoolers a large canvas and an assortment of art supplies such as stickers, finger paints, glitter and crayons. Give each child 10 minutes to play then ask them to switch canvases. Repeat until the kids get bored, then ask them to tell you a story about their art.
Story Books
Help your preschooler make his own story book. Give him several pieces of paper upon which to draw illustrations and tell him that you're going to combine them into his very own book. When he's finished drawing, have him help you put the pages together. Ask him what each page of the story says, then read the story together. This encourages preschoolers to think hypothetically about people's feelings, to engage in planning and to connect one action with a future result.
References
- "Child Psychology: Development in a Changing Society"; Robin Harwood, et al.; 2008
- "What's Going on In There?" Lise Eliot, Ph.D.; 2000
- "The Parents We Mean to Be"; Richard Weissbourd; 2009
- Scholastic: Preparing For Preschool: Art
- "Preschool Art"; MaryAnn F. Kohl; 1994
