Why Your Kids Need Creativity This Summer

There’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected kids of all ages, all stages of development. They have lost their regular routine, social interaction with their peers, and so much more. And while we have given our best efforts to retain some sense of normalcy, some things just cannot be replaced by virtual schooling. Throughout the pandemic, there has been an increased emphasis on standardized testing to ensure kids are staying up to date on their education. But do these scores reflect a well-rounded education? Education and test scores are important, but are they the most accurate way to measure children’s physical, cognitive, social, emotional and creative wellbeing?

In a year with so much loss, kids need a sense of normalcy wherever they can get it - they need to play. Kids need to exercise their creativity now more than ever! Although some might argue the focus should be on schoolwork, here are a few reasons why your child should engage in arts & crafts and other creative activities this summer.

Summer vacation is a part of normal routine 

Virtual learning blurs the line between school life and home life, things that have usually been distinctly separate for kids. Traditionally, for children, summer vacation is a well-deserved break from schoolwork, a time to play and relax and let off some steam. Playing and creating gives kids an outlet to release their stress in a healthy way, preparing them to return to school in the fall. But the pandemic has completely disrupted this routine, and changed the periods of time that kids are in school vs. at home. Once kids finally have adapted to remote learning, things are no doubt going to change again! And while we are unsure what that “new normal” looks like, it will definitely be another adjustment. As vaccinations increase, there is a strong possibility that in-person schooling will look somewhat normal next fall, making this summer the perfect time to relax before things change again.

After a year or two of being stuck inside, any change of scenery is a good idea! Art classes give kids something to look forward to - an activity to occupy them in a productive way, rather than just watching Netflix. A great way to make this summer vacation feel normal is to engage your children in fun creative activities that exercise their bodies and minds as well. This will help them prepare to adjust to whatever changes may come with the next school year.

Arts and crafts improve overall happiness of children

Art classes are much more than just putting paint on canvas! Creativity leads to improvement in social and emotional development in kids, and can help improve their self-confidence. Sarah from CampPage says that “In an atmosphere founded in acceptance, creativity, and positive feedback, children are able to face the fact that they will never be perfect, but they can live life with passion and be the very best they can be.” Putting emphasis on kid’s test scores reinforces the feeling of failure when those scores aren’t high enough. But with art, there are no wrong answers! This gives kids a sense of belonging and self-worth, knowing that they have freedom to create their own masterpieces. 

Creativity leads to better test scores in the end!!

Studies have shown that happier, well-rounded children actually perform better on tests. As kids practice their creativity through activities such as art programs and classes, their emotional, social, and cognitive wellbeing increases. This leads to better focus, better problem-solving skills, and eventually, better test taking. So rather than putting the focus solely on improving test scores, if we start by improving the overall quality of children’s growth and development, improved test scores will naturally follow! 

While COVID-19 has taken a lot from us, some of the greatest effects will be felt by children. One of the best things we can do for our children during this time is make sure they stay creative! A great way to do this is summer arts and crafts classes. These classes exercise kid’s creativity and provide them with an opportunity to socialize with their peers - something that has been greatly restricted these past months! As we return to normal (or whatever the “new normal” looks like) it is essential that we don’t weigh our children’s successes solely in their test scores, but in their overall development and growth into a well-rounded individual. 

Canvas n Cup seeks out fun and joy creatively!

At Canvas N Cup, we offer a variety of art classes for kids and summer art programs for children ages 8-13. These classes run from July 12 until August 16, 2021 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We offer a variety of different arts and crafts projects to choose from, including pottery painting, glass projects, mosaics, canvas painting, watercolor painting activities, stenciling, jewelry making, multi-media art. Our qualified instructors make kids art engaging and fun!

Children over the age of 8 can be left under the supervision of one of our expert art instructors, giving parents a well-deserved break! At Canvas N Cup, can you have confidence that your child is well supervised and looked after for the duration of the class while encouraging your child’s creativity.

We also include a snack in every class! Come join our summer arts and crafts program, in-person at our Westborough art studio.