Art is a powerful tool for helping children with ADHD. Through inclusive, child-friendly art lessons, diverse learners can enter a world of creativity and self-expression. Access to the right resources is essential for parents and teachers to support children in their learning. Let’s explore some practical ways that art can aid in the development of children with ADHD.
What Are the Main Ways Art Helps Children With ADHD?
While children with ADHD may be highly creative, without the right support they can often struggle to concentrate. Thankfully, art provides a way to channel a child’s creative instincts. When used as a tool within a holistic plan, art can also help boost overall well-being.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
For many children with ADHD, art provides a therapeutic environment where they feel less stressed and can relax. The process of working on an art project encourages mindfulness, and cultivating mindfulness will benefit other aspects of education and daily life.
Improves Concentration Levels
As children improve their art skills, they’ll often become able to focus on a project for longer periods. A child can get into the habit of planning, creating and completing an art project without becoming distracted. ADDitude magazine describes how an art-centering activity like coloring a mandala can increase a person’s attention span and promote better focus when performing tasks.
Creates a Positive Routine
Structured activities that create positive habits and ongoing improvements play an important part in a child’s development. We recently looked at some ways to adapt children’s art education for diverse learners. In particular, a consistent, supportive environment can help children with ADHD who benefit from predictable routines.
Help Children Regulate Their Emotions
For children with ADHD, painting, sculpture, printmaking and other forms of art provide an outlet through which to express and process their emotions. The physical processes, rhythmic movements and creative expression involved in creating art can contribute to better emotional control.
Develops Social Skills
Some children with ADHD struggle with social skills and do not have an appropriate place to bond with peers. Group art projects can offer a unique and less pressured way to build friendships, featuring turn-taking, sharing and positive feedback.
Increases Self-Esteem
Completing an art project gives a child a sense of accomplishment that encourages further development. As children gradually improve and receive positive feedback they strengthen their drive to continue making progress.
Contributes to Improved Physical Abilities
A lack of focus can also hinder the development of physical skills in children with ADHD. However, children who develop a passion for art often see rapid progress. Our free art lessons can help children improve their motor control, including hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and dexterity, plus improved spatial awareness.
Browse Our Free Art Lessons for Elementary and Middle School Kids
If your child has ADHD and could benefit from exposure to art, Golden Road Arts is here to help. Our free art lessons feature hands-on instructional guides, art literacy classes and much more. Watch free art lessons today and please consider donating to our non-profit.