How Art Supports Children’s Development: Insights from Group AID’s Recent Bearbrick Workshop

Children discover the world through their hands, eyes, and imagination. Art gives them an avenue to freely explore these ideas and turn their imagination into something tangible. In Singapore, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and National Arts Council (NAC) have recognised the importance of the arts for a child’s holistic development. Both agencies actively work with schools to craft robust artistic programmes that enhance students’ cultural appreciation. Moreover, research shows that such activities support the cognitive growth, emotional regulation, and sensory development of children. In alignment with this movement, Group AID has a variety of workshops that facilitate experiences to allow children to engage with art in meaningful ways.

Art and Cognitive Development

Every choice a child makes while creating – from which colour to use, to how to layer paints, or what pattern to try next – is a small exercise in problem-solving. These moments may seem simple, but they engage children’s minds in ways that support essential cognitive development. Studies also show that creating visual art challenges children to think critically and can enhance higher-level memory, observation, and reasoning skills.

Process Art: Child-Led Creativity

Many of our workshops at Group AID tap on an approach known as process art, which embraces exploration and open-ended creativity, rather than focusing on the achievement of a fixed “end product”. For instance, at our recent bearbrick painting workshop with Epworth Community Services, our young participants were encouraged to let their creative juices flow and design their bearbricks in whatever style best represented them!

Image credits: Group AID

This self-led approach allows children to experiment freely and simply follow their natural curiosity. Additionally, it fosters independent thinking and gives each child a greater sense of ownership over their creations. During our workshop, the children had a blast trying a variety of approaches – some layered paints, others mixed their own colours – and everyone created a bearbrick that was uniquely theirs!

Emotional and Social Benefits

Art also provides an important outlet for emotional expression and social development. 

Image credits: Group AID

During the workshop, children worked alongside trainers and volunteers who supported them in creating their pieces. They also communicated with other participants, discussing design ideas and sharing the craft supplies. These small yet meaningful interactions can go a long way in helping children build confidence in collaborative skills essential for their everyday interactions with others. 

Join Group AID in Facilitating A Workshop! 

Here at Group AID, we believe in providing safe, hands-on spaces where children can explore, create, and learn. By nurturing creativity and confidence, our workshops help children develop foundational skills that support their growth, to prepare them to contribute meaningfully in their own communities! 

If you are a school or community partner interested in hosting one of our workshops, please reach out to us via askgroupaid@gmail.com.