In this blog I want to share how you can talk about art making with little toddlers. Some of your toddlers might still be learning how to talk, so how are you supposed to have a full on conversation about art? Here’s the good news: talking to toddlers about art is not something you need to worry about.
You don’t have to use “art language,” proper terminology, or fancy words in order for them to start appreciating and experiencing art. Art does have its own language, it’s called the ‘Elements and Principles of Design,’ but that’s way too advanced for little toddlers and primary grades to understand! When you talk to your toddler about art making it’s really just describing what you see in artworks, like color, shape, and form, etc. These are what we call art elements, and the building blocks of what artworks of made from. What to learn what these art elements are? Download my free artsy terms here:
How-to Start Talking Art
I want to make things clear: toddler art can be introduced early. It’s just important to understand that children in this age group are seeing and experiencing everything for the first time; they don’t quite understand how visual arts fits into their little world.
As they explore more and more and start really getting to notice art elements, using art talk with toddlers will become easier. They will start to make connections and they’ll probably start asking questions (such as, “what color is this?” or “why is it green. When you’re first introducing art talk to toddlers, keep things basic and simple. Start by describing what you see when you’re looking at art or what’s going on as you make art. You don’t necessarily need to use these exact terms, but let them be your springboard for getting the conversation going.
Basic Art Talk:
- Color
- Shape
- Line
Keep these concepts in mind as you talk to your toddler about art. Here are some examples of how to bring these ideas into your art talk. “Let’s cut out some shapes, like circles and squares, with scissors.” “Let’s make some squiggly lines and straight lines with crayons. How many different colored lines can we do?” “Let mix these two different paint colors together. Look how the yellow and blue mix, what color does it make?”
Why it’s important to teach toddlers art talk?
It’s important to start talking early on to your toddlers about art. By starting these talks you help your toddlers understand visual ideas around them, plus positive neural connections are wiring foundational building blocks about art.
Remember that most artworks made by toddlers are simply experimental, usually led by curiosity and art play. For them, the point of art is play, not to create a piece of art. If you encourage and answer their questions as they create, they’ll grow bolder in their exploration and will ultimately have the self-confidence to continue trying artful play.
Art talk can will stimulate your toddler’s imagination, I encourage you to try it out! If you have any questions or get stumped on answering one of their art questions, sign up for my art newsletter. Plus you can buy my toddler art guide. This book will teach you what art looks like and what to teach toddlers.
Spramani Elaun – Art Teacher & Author
