Self Expression
From birth, children are naturally inclined to communicate their needs and feelings, but it’s during these early years that this form of expression truly blossoms.
At this age, children do not yet have the whole vocabulary to articulate complex thoughts, so they rely heavily on other means, such as body language, facial expressions, and creative expression.
Allowing children the freedom to express themselves is vital. All feelings are welcome, and children are encouraged to explore their unique voices.
I invite children to engage in process art, which encourages and celebrates the process of creation without the emphasis being on a specific result. I, too, encourage adults from commenting on what they like or don’t like. Art is subjective, and toddlers can be sensitive to criticism. Also, they might not choose to create what they truly desire to make; instead, they seek the feeling of approval. That feeling can be addictive, so what we see is not their inner creativity but their quest for external validation.
Let them be their guide.
I like art experiences to be open-ended for the child to create, and they can repeat as much as they want for as long as it interests them. I encourage freedom of expression, not conformity.
Self-expression serves as a bridge connecting emotions, language, social interactions, and cognitive growth.
Self-Expression Key Points
Art is a medium where the child controls their hand, strengthening the small muscles in their fingers and hands; laying a foundation for future writing
Art engages both hemispheres of the brain; right = creativity and left = logic/reasoning. This enhances learning, and memory recall and reduces stress
It is a non-verbal outlet for feelings and emotional processing; helpful to the toddler
Art helps children to self-regulate because it is something the mind and body focus on.
We don’t offer subjective praise, which decreases motivation for the child in the long term. As adults, we don't want to be the driving force within the child and for them to consistently seek our approval. We want the child to carry around a self-image formed by them, not by us. If we must comment, we focus on what we see and the process.