Well-thought-out art activities in which practitioners also take part can significantly improve children’s language and communication skills. Meredith Jones-Russell reports

The arts provide children with a unique opportunity to discover and express their own voices through creative expression.

Early years and creative arts consultant Anni McTavish says language and communication can be significantly boosted by well-designed art activities in a setting. ‘Art is so open-ended, and if it is well facilitated and organised it can give children and adults lots of ways to share experiences and things they can’t say.’

Ms McTavish believes the key to encouraging and enabling children’s language development through arts is for adults to be ‘companions’.

‘It is about joining children on their artistic journey. If you are willing to stop and observe children, they can tell you a lot about themselves through the materials they choose and the ways they use them,’ she explains.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here