Peer Review for Research Paper

Running head: Effects of Art on Toddlers

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Effects of Art on Toddlers

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Donating Art to Impact Preschoolers

Tiahna C. Singletary, Student

Pennsylvania State

Abstract

It is proved that art plays a large role in our everyday lives, in ways that we may not even notice, so why not use in a way to inspire and influence young toddlers. Children gain the most information in the early stages of life. Creative Kids of Downingtown is a preschool that many parents and guardians of the area have trusted and believe that their children have benefited from the offered programs. Educators in preschool settings use many different forms of art in ways to teach the children and help them retain information.

Intended Results

The children who attend Creative Kids of Downingtown ages range from infant to kindergarten. The ones whom may be most effected by the art would be those who are enrolled in the young toddler to kindergarten programs. The ages vary from 12 months to 5-year-old. The children are exposed to many forms of art and how connect them with set themes for their school week. At least once a day these children complete some type of art. I would like to create a piece of artwork that will catch the children’s attention and share a meaningful message to the. Art is used for education and that’s what this facility is all about.

Research

Studies have shown that art helps toddlers in many ways. Children performing these art activities works on the development of both the fine and gross motor skills. At a young age art will also enhance a child’s vocabulary. They will discover new words to describe the materials that they use and even share their perspectives or massages from the artwork. In 43 states Common Core program has been introduced and has shown to enhance knowledge math, reading and interpretation skills and social-emotional growth “As society becomes more digital, it’s not enough to just be able to read words; we have to be able to read images.” (Kim Morin of Fresno State University) This method of training exposed children to method of thinking that was never thought to be done. These children develop much stronger knowledge. “Children need to know more about the world than just what they can learn through text and numbers. Art education teaches students how to interpret, criticize, and use visual information, and how to make choices based on it.” (Dr, Kerry Freedman of Illinois University). Art is a form of self-expression so when a child is viewing someone else’s artwork they may express empathy or some sort of feelings toward the work. Art is also an exposure to culture. Dr. Freedman says that children should be taught how to understand the background picture or the message that maybe exposed by the artist. Children who participate in some form of art regularly are for times more likely to be acknowledged for their academic milestones (Americans for the Arts). Unfortunately, in America there are many low-income areas that don’t have access to the arts, or they don’t believe that it is a necessity or priority in education. Many studies have shown other wise to that, it has been shown that the performances of children is much better with children who are exposed to arts in their schools.

Conclusion

After reviewing the sources, it has been understood that art plays a large role in those who are starting to learn. Art helps them develop in physical, emotional, mental and intellectual ways which is a completely good thing. Completing the research brought me closer to finding the right materials to use for creating the final pieces to this project.

References (1) Hwang Lynch, G. (n.d.). The Importance of Art in Child Development. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/the-importance-of-art-in-child-development (2) Frey, S. (2017, December 21). Art appreciation helps young children learn to think and express ideas. Retrieved from https://edsource.org/2015/art-appreciation-helps-young-children-learn-to-think-and-express-ideas/77734 (3) Arts Education Network. (2019, May 15). Retrieved from https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-program/networks-and-councils/arts-education-network (4) “Gilmer Arts.” Gilmer Arts, gilmerarts.com/allaboutarts/. (5)

Figures

Figure 1.

This figure shows the proportion of funding that goes into the different forms of art in the Georgia area.