Charlotte Baldwin, Operations Manager at IQ Cards, discusses the importance of teaching arts and crafts to help develop children’s social skills.
There are many merits that regular practice of arts and crafts can give, and these are often overlooked in favour of the skills and potential career paths offered by the various science subjects. In terms of school curriculum, arts subjects don’t tend to get given the same attention as their scientific counterparts, effectively denying students the benefits that can be passed on through art.
For as long as it has existed, art has been used as a means of expression and reflection – from the earliest cave paintings that told stories, to the most modern forms of art therapy that help people work through their problems through alternative forms of communication.
Interacting with other people in a clear and confident manner is a skill that is too often disregarded, but it is absolutely essential not only in school, but especially later in life. Some children who aren’t experienced in mixing with other people and forming relationships can find school particularly difficult, and group arts and crafts activities are very effective ways of getting children together to discuss ideas, work as a team, assert themselves and develop confidence.
Outside of the school environment, there are plenty of free community art and craft classes available for parents and children to attend, which not only give children the chance to make new friends and learn to interact with people they aren’t familiar with, but also allow them to get comfortable without the constant presence of a parent, which is essential when moving on to school. They will also begin to pick up social skills, and consider what behaviour is appropriate around others.
The first hurdle to improving your child’s social skills is getting them to a point at which they are able to be without you. From here, their confidence will continue to grow, but it is important to give the tools they need to carry on in this way, and encouraging them to form closer friendships with others. By gradually immersing your child in realistic social situations, and giving them fun and creative activities to do as a means of distraction, they will pick up on social etiquette and feel more comfortable in themselves and around others.
A foundation of social confidence is an essential ingredient when making headstrong, content and courageous adults, and the sooner this mindset is instilled, the more they will be able to carry it over into every facet of their life. Not every child is a natural at taking to social situations, so if yours is struggling, explore ways in which you might make them more comfortable and more confident in themselves.
About Charlotte Baldwin
Charlotte Baldwin is the Operations Manager at IQ Cards. IQ Cards are a fundraising company that provide schools and establishments with the necessary tools to fundraise via selling high-quality and unique gifts designed by pupils. As part of the established on-demand print and digital solutions provider The IQ Digital House, ensures that all requirements and products are produced to the highest standards, delivered on time and at great value prices. Several of the IQ cards team are mothers and PTA members themselves appreciating and understanding school protocols extremely well. They are an approved supplier for Parentkind. For more information please visit: http://www.iqcards.co.uk/
