Giving Positive Feedback

Post by Leslie Fraser, Art Education Coordinator at Kidspace Children's Museum

Facilitating kids' art activities can be a daunting task for parents insecure in their own artistic abilities. Yet art is a wonderful way for children to express themselves and learn motor skills, visual cues and more, even at an early age. Here are some tips that might help parents provide positive and nurturing feedback on their child's art.

Remember: positive feedback tells children exactly what they did well.

• Instead of saying "good job," try telling the child they have used a technique or tool in a way that gave them success in the activity.
  Example: I see you are using both cutting and tearing to make your collage.
  Example: Look at all the different brushstrokes you made on your painting.
  
• Questions can help engage a child in their work and help them further understand the processes used, the consequences of certain choices and what they have learned from the activity. Never ask "what is it?" as this can be extremely insulting and makes children think all art must represent reality.
  Example: How did you make the play dough so flat?
  Example: How did you make this color?

With a little guidance (and confidence), every parent can learn to engage in art activities with a healthy and empowering attitude. You may even learn to love art yourself!