Most of us instinctually know that art & craft is important for our children; we simply believe it's important because we've seen our children deeply involved in art & craft. But beyond what we feel and believe, there is much factual information about why art is important in our children's development that is both interesting and helpful to know.

'Creating' expands a child's ability to interact with the world around them, and provides a new set of skills for self-expression and communication. Not only does it help to develop the right side of the brain, it also cultivates important skills like communication, problem-solving, fine motor, social & emotional and self-expression & creativity, that benefit a child's development.

Get your little ones started by taking an introduction in sport with hockey! This will increase fine and gross motor skill development, coordination and balance while improving spatial and perceptual awareness and self-expression. When played in a group, this will help in early socialization, sharing and taking turns, following directions and cooperating.

This activity combines 'creativity' with gross motor & social skills to help your child develop in a fun and engaging way!

Steps:

1. Make a homemade hockey stick with a cardboard roll (from packing paper) and attach a rectangle cardboard piece to one end

   Suggestion: Let your child take the lead in determining the materials that can be used to create different parts (including if glue will work better than tape etc.). This will allow your child to understand the various ways in which a craft can be developed and be made strong for the purpose it is needed (in this case strong enough to 'hit' a 'ball' and not break)

2. Blow up colorful balloons and ask your child to put them in a cardboard box/ bucket, which acts as a goal!