Introduce Kids to Art

Research shows that students involved in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievements. Whether your kid’s a drama queen, pint-sized Picasso, aspiring sculptor or young author, Delaware offers classes, workshops and events to nurture his or her passion.

The hands-on element of drawing and painting — controlling a brush, drawing lines, mixing colors — helps to improve hand-eye coordination. There are plenty of ways for kids to grow their talent and deepen their appreciation for the art forms.

Visit local art museums. Wilmington’s Delaware Art Museum offers discounted admission and art activities during monthly Family Second Sundays. Nearby, the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, PA, and Barnes Foundation in Philly host free First Sunday events where visitors can get creative while they view the galleries. These events not only make art more accessible — they expose junior creators to professional artists and influential artworks.

Join a class or workshop. Sign up for a drawing and painting course at the Art Studio in Wilmington. The five-week experience for ages 10-17 teaches the fundamentals of the art forms, as well as the power of creative self-expression. Short on time? Walk-in canvas painting is available at Middletown’s Your Creation Station.

Participating in performing arts boosts confidence and empathy and provides an outlet for self-expression. Here are a few ways to pique your child’s interest in theatre.

Go to a show. What better way to acquaint little ones with the stage than seeing it for themselves? The Delaware Children’s Theatre in Wilmington is an ideal place to start. Next up: Roald Dahl classics Matilda (March 1, 6, 7 & 8) and James and the Giant Peach (April 25-May 17). Also in Wilmington, The Grand’s Stages of Discovery production series is perfect for young audiences. And, once the weather warms, don’t miss Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre performances in Rehoboth Beach.

Join a class. Clear Space Theatre in Rehoboth Beach trains budding thespians in voice, dance and acting during its Broadway Bound program. The Delaware Theatre Company and Wilmington Drama League offer acting courses as well.

Sculpting Skills The tactile experience of manipulating clay is great for sensory and motor-skill development. The pride that comes from creating an original piece, whether by hand or on the wheel, builds confidence, too. Get behind the wheel. Romanick Pottery in Newark lets ages 13 & up learn the ropes in a studio environment, where they’ll craft lidded pots, vases, pitchers and abstract pieces.

Hand-building basics. At Newark’s Center for the Creative Arts, the Fun with Clay class gives students an opportunity to push, pull and squish the sticky stuff into whatever forms they can dream up, from bowls and cups to sculpted figures and imaginative creatures.

Communication, imagination, persistence — creative writing augments growth in these areas. Encourage your young wordsmith with opportunities to read, and create, something special. Share your story. Sometimes the best way to improve at something is to, well, just do it. That’s particularly true when it comes to writing. Let the wordplay begin during the free Future Writers’ Workshop at the Kent County Library in Dover. This teen-oriented event series runs March 11 & 25, followed by four dates throughout spring. Participants focus on a different aspect of the creative process each time via writing prompts, peer review, group activities and outside exercises.

Visit local bookstores. The desire to write often stems from a love for reading. Spark a young author’s interest at area bookstores, many of which boast fantastic selections and busy calendars. Bethany Beach Books, for instance, plays host to author events and signings. And, in addition to an expansive collection of kid-lit, Hockessin Bookshelf engages the community through book clubs and storytime.