Introducing The Arts

 

Harmony in Red - Henri Matisse

It's no secret that we are big supporters of child development here at Child Care Options, and the arts are an important part of that process.   Research  shows exposure to arts in children has a positive influence in their overall achievement (in areas such as math skills and problem solving.)  Take a look at Catherine Read's (from Simon Fraser University) paper "Fine Art, Imagination and Literacy" for more details. 

 Looking for ways to incorporate the arts in your everyday environment?  A great place to start is a series of board books by authors Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober.  This colourful collection includes the beautiful art work of different artists accompanied by simple rhyming text.  You can read these at circle time, one on one and have them out for children to explore on their own.  Check out an excerpt from "A Magical Day With Matisse"below. 

 

Want to check out these books in person? Make your way to our our Early Years Learning Store!

How Rhymes Help Children Learn

Another reason to embrace your inner Dr.Seuss! How Rhymes Help Children Learn highlights the many benefits of singing and rhyming with children. A great resource for early learning and child care professionals as well as parents. Remember, rhyming doesn't always have to take place during circle time. Try making up funny rhymes and silly songs when doing everyday tasks.

No, David!

A fabulous fun read for children ages 0-5 years old. Children never get tired of David's antics and listening to his mother repeat "No, David!" The simple and predictable text makes this a great book for children to explore on their own as well.  One word of caution, once you introduce this book, be prepared to read it over and over again! 

Are your children crazy about David?  Let them make their own picture books....

Materials

• letter sized paper folded and stapled in to a booklet format
• colouring materials (we like pastels for this project!)
• several squares of paper with "No ______________" (with child's name or let the child print their name)
• glue sticks

What to do
Set out materials and let children create their own "No" books.  They can illustrate the pages and add the "No" text where they see fit.  Remember to write out the children's endings to their stories on the last pages .