As the school season approaches, parents focus on preparing school supplies, uniforms, and daily allowances for their children. However, one equally important aspect is often overlooked: how to raise a child who loves art and reading. Academic learning alone is not enough to build a well-rounded personality; children also need mental and emotional nourishment that fosters creativity and curiosity about the world.
Dr. Doha Mahfouz, professor of education and mental health, shares practical steps for parents to cultivate a love of art and reading, linking them to school readiness so that the new academic year becomes a deeper journey in building a cultured and creative child.
The Importance of Art and Reading in a Child’s Life
Art:
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Expands a child’s perception of beauty.
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Teaches expression of emotions.
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Enhances creative thinking and problem-solving.
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Children who draw, play music, or sing learn that there is more than one way to see life.
Reading:
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Stimulates imagination and expands vocabulary and knowledge.
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Improves focus and analytical skills.
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Children who love reading don’t only rely on school; they actively seek knowledge.
At the start of school, children benefit from emotional and intellectual reserves that prepare them for learning and participation. Cultivating a love for art and reading early is key.
Practical Steps to Encourage a Love of Art
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Provide simple tools:
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Wooden crayons, a sketchbook, or modeling clay are enough to start.
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You can integrate some art supplies into the usual school supply shopping list.
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Participate together:
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Children imitate adults. If they see you drawing, listening to music, or visiting art galleries, they’ll be more excited to join in.
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Set aside weekly time to draw or color together.
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Link art with learning:
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Use drawing to study: make mind maps, color difficult words, or create small posters for lessons. Art becomes a learning tool, not a separate hobby.
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Introduce diverse arts:
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Encourage music, theater, or photography. Exposure helps children discover their interests.
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Praise effort, not results:
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Art is a journey. Celebrate effort and imagination rather than perfect drawings or musical performance.
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Practical Steps to Encourage a Love of Reading
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Include books in school preparation:
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Buy a storybook or illustrated book each school year as a “back-to-school gift.”
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Create a small home library:
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A few colorful stories, simple books, or children’s magazines in an accessible place is enough.
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Schedule shared reading time:
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Read aloud before bed or during family time on weekends. Reading together makes it a fun habit, not just schoolwork.
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Choose books according to interests:
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Dinosaurs, space, or any other fascination will motivate children to read more.
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Teach that books are friends at home and school:
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Encourage taking a small book in their backpack to read during free time or breaks.
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Challenges and How to Overcome Them
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Resistance to reading or art: Don’t force it; present it as fun and age-appropriate.
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Screen addiction: Balance screen time with interactive stories or cartoons based on books.
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Time constraints: Even 10 minutes a day of reading or drawing is effective.
Role of Schools in Supporting Art and Reading
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Parents can cooperate with teachers to encourage participation in school libraries, theater clubs, or music groups.
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Schools hosting art exhibitions or reading events foster stronger attachment to these areas.
Long-Term Benefits for Children Who Love Art and Reading
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Enhanced self-expression in multiple ways.
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Rich vocabulary and renewed ideas.
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Well-balanced emotionally and socially, able to handle academic and life pressures effectively.
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