Today’s preschool children are being introduced to art created by the masters. Research has shown that showing famous pieces of art to children and allowing them to give their impressions, and to listen to the impressions of others opens the gateway to art appreciation at an early age.
Learning By Observing
The preschool process of art appreciation begins by being exposed to artwork. Da Vinci, Monet, and Picasso are not names that young children are likely to remember from the outset, but seeing the work gives them inspiration and a foundation for understanding art in more depth as they get older. The more styles and subject matter a child is presented with early in life, the easier it is for them discover their own hidden potential.Learning By Doing
Not every child is a prodigy, but every prodigy was once a child. Using famous pieces of art as inspiration for individual activities allows children to experience the process and begin honing their skills. It also helps them gain an appreciation for the work that famous people have done, and a glimpse at the ideas behind the art itself. Rembrandt didn’t begin as a master, but he became one through practice and determination.Learning By Interacting
In order to fully appreciate art, children need to be able to communicate their experiences. By holding a group conversation about various pieces of art, children learning to express their views as well as gain perspective from the views of others. This helps them gain an understanding of the nuances of art that might otherwise be overlooked through simply looking at it and forming solitary opinions. While a large portion of artwork is created in solitary conditions, the views and interaction of its viewers are what make it become a masterpiece.Observing, doing, and interacting are key components of art appreciation, and there are many ways to accomplish all three aspects. The first step is give children access to art, let them imitate what they have seen, and encourage them to share their thoughts and creations with others.
