In recent years, arts education has been threatened and in many places significantly curtailed due to budget cuts, focus on testing, and an increasing emphasis on STEM fields (reflected in declining enrollment in the humanities at the college level). In light of these develop.... read more
Looking to fill long summer days in the countryside or at home? All you need is ten busy fingers and a knack for crafts. Knitting is super fun for kids, teaches them a useful skill for life, and enhances their fine motor skills. If they get the hang of it by the time they get .... read more
As the days grow warmer, outside is where we all want to be. Especially the little artistic types among us. Because there's no more inspiring place to make art than under the big blue sky. Here are a few ideas for bringing your child's creativity out into the open air.... read more
Pablo Picasso said, "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Isn't that the truth? Children spend hour after hour creating—drawing, painting, writing—visualizing and expressing their thoughts, ideas and dreams and transferring th.... read more
A home that encourages creative thinking and expression would include:1. At least one adult (preferably more) who engages the child with thoughtful interaction and also models wondering about the world and a desire to learn.2. An understanding of the child's unique ways of .... read more
Families everywhere are taking advantage of these beautiful summer days by hitting the beach or taking a hike in a local park. Summer break promises some of the best times of year to get outdoors with your kids. And, while you're out doors, chances are you will bring your .... read more
There are a lot of things that parents of preschoolers don't do as often as they probably once did: going out to the movies, to see a play or a concert, to an elegant restaurant. And that's pretty much unavoidable. (Sigh.) But visiting museums doesn't have to be on that list. .... read more
Sometimes the most unlikely things can cause controversy. Take coloring books. What could possibly be more benign? They have kept countless kids occupied and happy for countless hours over many generations. What is not to love? And yet, there are those who disagree. S.... read more
The sun is beginning to come out, spring break will be here soon, and a trip to a museum might be a fun way to spend an afternoon with your preschooler, don't you think? It doesn't have to be as high-falutin' as it sounds. Most fine art museums have sections just for the lit.... read more
Strewing is the very fine art of placing items in seemingly random locations. It provides the opportunity for creativity by allowing a child to stumble upon materials in a natural way, thereby encouraging their exploration, without the child feeling watched, expected to perfo.... read more
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