Art, music, and nature are aspects that should be included in a child’s home. They are life subjects that allow for sensory exploration, aesthetic enjoyment, and personal contribution. Art, music, and nature provide three experiences: education, participation, and appreciation. Education is gained by observing and experiencing nature, music, and art. Participating involves using the senses to explore, and appreciation is showing love and respect that is modeled by the adults around the child. Here a few examples of how to incorporate nature, music, and art in the home:
Music in the Home
Music can be brought into the home through the introduction of different instruments. Play musical instruments with your child and make rhythms with clapping or tapping. You can come up with a pattern for tapping a tambourine and wait for your child to repeat it. Sing songs with movements, dancing, and actively listen to sounds around the home. During moments of silence notice the sounds of running water, footsteps, or food sizzling on the stove. Classify genres of music by simply naming what genre you are listening to. This way you can get to know your child’s interests in music. Parents should model appreciation for music by listening to a variety of musicians from different countries and talking about what you like in the music. Practice listening to music as its own activity and give the child freedom to listen to music when they would like. Your child can have their own radio or music player in their play area.
Art in the Home
At home you may have a shelf or area designated for art making materials. This can include paint, markers, crayons, clay, etc. Provide freedom to make art by preparing all supplies necessary for scribbling on paper or painting on an easel. Include books in the home about a variety of artists or art movements like, I am an Artist. You can collaborate on art together with your child to show your appreciation for the art making process as we should value process over a product. To broaden their understanding of what art can be make sure to have sculptures and other three-dimensional art present in the home. Talk about furniture design or styles of home products. Allow for freedom of sensory exploration with art media by making sure it is nontoxic and your child is working in an area where that can get messy. Art language cards for artists and artwork can be made from art books or magazines. Introduce photography as art and give the opportunity to take photos with a phone or polaroid camera.
Nature in the Home
Children should be included in family life and want to participate in activities they see adults doing. Caring for the natural aspects of the home are a way for your child to feel included and learn skills for functional independence. For example, you should allow the child to care for plants by watering or dusting the leaves. Observe what their skills are and their responsibilities can change as they grow. You can name the types of plants in your home and notice their different leaf shapes. Talk about the individual needs of each plant and make sure the plants are placed in an accessible spot for the child. If they are heavy, they can be placed on the floor. You can make language cards for types of trees, flowers, animals, living and non-living things. Images for language cards can be found in magazines or nature books. Children can care for pets by feeding them or grooming them. Adults should model how to care for and appreciate the living things in the home. You can grow indoor gardens and let the child participate in food preparation. It is important to model how to be interested in nature and not fear it. Have a variety of nature books present in the home for the child to enjoy at their leisure.
It is important to remember that the child is observing the adult’s interactions with music, art, and nature. Adults should model appreciation for these aspects and encourage the child to participate in them and explore their interests. I hope you enjoyed these suggestions and are inspired incorporate these activities in your own home!