A proper "first language" for the Child
December 2021
Speaking of "Habit", I believe that a good habit is easier to be formed when a child is in his or her young age. As an art teacher, I think visual language is a proper language to introduce to children. We do not only need to encourage children to use visual language, but we also need to introduce this language to them correctly.
Each time when my grandchild Ella (4.5) and Ethan (1.5) come to visit us, I and my wife prepared art supplies to let them play with. We let them use the art supplies generously. This investment is worth every bit!
Of course, it comes in handy, since their grandpa is an art teacher and he has a home-studio room that is set up and ready for the children at all times. Please see the following pictures of how Ella and Ethan are enjoying their drawing and painting.
At this point, I want to make it clear that I do not know if it was first the thought that created the language or it was the language that inspires one's thought, during the children's art experiment. You may think that It is like a chicken-egg argument. However, I believe that one's thinking skills and abilities can be highly benefited while he or she has the right type of thinking tools ---- that tool is a language, and the visual language we use in the studio art is a powerful, effective and proper "tool" for the children to use for exercising their thinking skills.
Happy New Year and happy painting with your grandchildren.
Daniel Nie, M.A./M.F.A.
