By Abby Holt
If you have children with learning disabilities, you know what a challenge it can be for them to develop their skills and grow in their abilities. But you can give them a boost by introducing them to the arts, which can help them learn and grow by leaps and bounds. Read on to discover how you can to immerse them in the arts.
Musical Mastery
Children with learning disabilities can flourish through music. Without even realizing it, they can develop a sense of rhythm and timing, learn about sounds and patterns, increase their concentration and attention span, build their motor skills, and simply enjoy themselves. Start by getting them to sing and play some percussion instruments, and if they show an interest, introduce them to a simple musical instrument, such as the recorder. Piano lessons may be a good option for a child who truly loves music. Maybe also contact Waterford Music Generation who have an extensive schools programme right across the county?
Dancing Delight
Music may automatically lead to dancing. Allow children to dance freely, letting them express themselves to music as they learn to control and coordinate their movements. Dancing may improve balance and strength as well as creativity and interpretation. Consider dance classes for children who enjoy dancing, for this allows them to work on physical skills and improve their memory through set routines. Traces Dance Ensemble based in Garter Lane is a special place for Down Syndrome young people
Painting Pleasure
Painting and drawing help children with learning disabilities hone their motor skills while learning about colors, shapes, space, contrast, and size. They can learn how to express themselves through pictures and make decisions about what looks good and what doesn’t. Give your children plenty of art supplies, including paper, paints, markers, crayons, and even canvas as they grow in skill. You might enroll them in community education art classes to help them discover and practice new techniques, too.
Crafting Creativity
Even if your young ones aren’t especially interested in painting and drawing, there are plenty of other crafts you can present to them. Some children might like sewing, others woodworking, and still others pottery making. These crafts provide them with an outlet for their creativity while they fine-tune their motor skills, work on problem-solving, and grow in patience. Talk to your children about crafts they’d like to try, and then get them started on small, easy projects.
A Place for the Arts
As your children become more and more involved in the arts, they need a dedicated place at home just for their projects. Think about turning an extra bedroom or part of a finished basement into a multipurpose art space. Depending on their interests, you might furnish the room with a large table as a workspace and plenty of shelving to store supplies for painting, drawing, and crafts. Make sure you have good lighting as well. Create a small stage area, so they can practice music and dance and perform for you. Include a good sound system, and neatly organize music, costumes, and instruments.
But the benefit that your children gain from these renovations is just the beginning. Be sure to track how much you spend on upgrades because your efforts could give your home a higher appraisal value later on.
A major boost
The arts can give your children a major boost toward managing and overcoming their learning disabilities, so get them started on projects right away. Keep your eye on waterfordarts.com, garterlane.ie and musicgeneration.ie for programmes and opportunities that just may suit you and more importantly your special child.
If you have any questions, let us know
*Abby created Craftability to inspire you to put your own crafting abilities to good use, whether it’s painting, jewelry-making, quilting, or calligraphy.
(Image via Pexels)