Author name: emily

The Artful Life: 10 Crafty Tips to Boost a Child’s Self-Confidence and Improve Academic Performance: #7

Categories: family, music, The Artful Life

As parents, we strive to help our children grow up to be healthy, productive adults. Times are changing faster than ever, and parents are working harder to make ends meet. With constant introduction to new technology, as individuals and as a family, we have more choices than we’ve ever had before. So how do we stay focused and ensure we give our children the best upbringing possible? In this series we will share some tips we have found that help children develop a positive self image, and encourage success in the classroom.

#7:  Give ‘Em a Little Rock ‘n’ Roll

 

Image by Melanie Lauren, via Flickr

What music are your kids listening to these days? We’re music junkies around here, and always love hearing about new artists! Can your children identify different genres of music (i.e. Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Rap, Country)? Can they sing the words to a few popular songs, or comment on the instruments being played in a particular piece? Do they know the names of different iconic artists, like “The Beatles” “Led Zeppelin” “U2” (or insert your favorite artist here!) My point is, though they are amazingly talented, “The Jonas Brothers”, “Justin Bieber” and “Hannah Montana” don’t really count as a musical education for kids.

Learning to value good music at an early age is important to a child’s development. Plato once said that music “is a more potent instrument than any other for education”. Music uses both sides of the brain, and affects the growth of a child’s brain academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Encouraging a child to begin playing an instrument is a wonderful opportunity to provide for them. It teaches self-discipline, perseverance, dexterity, literacy, and develops their auditory skills. Listening to a wide variety of music is also very important. Jam out to some Beatles tunes, get funky with “Beat It” by Michael Jackson, groove to some Herbie Hancock jazz, or relax with a little Chopin…. the possibilities are endless!

What’s your family’s favorite song? Do you have any great stories about your children playing instruments?

Stay tuned for tip #8 tomorrow!

Miss earlier tips? Start here

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The Artful Life: 10 Crafty Tips to Boost a Child’s Self-Confidence and Improve Academic Performance: #3

Categories: Art Education, family, gifts, The Artful Life

As parents, we strive to help our children grow up to be healthy, productive adults. Times are changing faster than ever, and parents are working harder to make ends meet. With constant introduction to new technology, as individuals and as a family, we have more choices than we’ve ever had before. So how do we stay focused and ensure we give our children the best upbringing possible? In this series we will share some tips we have found that help children develop a positive self image, and encourage success in the classroom.

#3: Craft with Them

Image by bumblesweet via Flickr

Teaching our kids how to create is one of the most important things we can share with them.  Learning how to transfer an idea from the imagination into a finished form using different materials, is a life skill that will always have value! You can read an earlier post  here about why Arts Education in schools is so important, but art/crafting is just as important outside of the classroom.

Making things creates a feeling of accomplishment and pride in one’s work.  This contributes to a child’s work ethic.  Having the patience to see a project to the end, and overcoming different setbacks, develops skills in problem solving and perseverance.  Crafting as a family builds relationships as we often encourage each other during the process.  It teaches children the value of time, and to appreciate the time that goes into making things.  Crafting also fosters a sensibility for gift-giving, as many crafts are perfect for sharing with family and friends! Try homemade salt dough, Shrinky-Dinks, Perler-Beads, or spend an afternoon at your local Paint-It-Yourself pottery studio.  See what treasures you can make together!

More crafty sites for kids:

Adorable Crafts by “Lets Go Fly a Kite”

Crafts for boys Share your favorite family crafts (or crafty sites you love to visit)!

Stay tuned for tip #4 tomorrow!

Miss the first tip? Start here

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The Artful Life: 10 Crafty Tips to Boost a Child’s Self-Confidence and Improve Academic Performance: #6

Categories: accessories, DenverEtsy, ETSY, family, jewelry, shopping, The Artful Life

As parents, we strive to help our children grow up to be healthy, productive adults. Times are changing faster than ever, and parents are working harder to make ends meet. With constant introduction to new technology, as individuals and as a family, we have more choices than we’ve ever had before. So how do we stay focused and ensure we give our children the best upbringing possible? In this series we will share some tips we have found that help children develop a positive self image, and encourage success in the classroom.

#6: Give Them a Special Piece of Jewelry

 

Hand-stamped and riveted pendant by Beadsoul


You know how special you feel when someone gives you a piece of jewelry that has meaning behind it?  Kids feel that way too!  Whether its for a birthday, to commemorate a special event or holiday, or “just because,”  children want to be reminded that they are loved, especially when they’re out in the world without you.  Plan something with a simple message, in a style that they can grow with.  We think this is a great opportunity to explore Etsy, and the handmade community, to find something unique.  Most artisans will happily work with you to customize their designs for you.  We have worked with both of these artisans, and love their products!  We will happily recommend other artisans to you, based on your needs! 

Hand-stamped and dyed leather cuff by CJohannesen



What is something special that you were given as a child, or that you have given to your child?

Stay tuned for tip #7 tomorrow! Did you miss the first tip? Start here

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