Our Philosophy
Evelyn's Corner is based in process art and a Reggio Emilia approach to learning. Children are guided to explore a variety of materials and tools. They are given the freedom to make their own decisions and work at their own pace. The learning happens in the process of experimentation rather than a focus on the end-product.
Why Art Matters
ART ENCOURAGES NEURAL CONNECTIONS
Art employs all the senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Children’s brain synapses fire away as they experiment and create with a variety of materials.
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ART PROMOTES CREATIVITY
According to the International Child Art Foundation, “Research indicates that a child who is exposed to the arts acquires a special ability to think creatively, be original, discover, innovate, and create intellectual property—key attributes for individual success and social prosperity in the twenty-first century.”
ART BUILDS FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Gripping a paintbrush, holding a crayon, cutting with scissors, or squeezing a glue bottle all require increasing amounts of dexterity and coordination.
ART DEVELOPS PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITIES
Open-ended, process-oriented art is an endless opportunity for children to make choices, predict outcomes, and draw conclusions. All of these habits of thinking are vital for development.
ART HELPS CHILDREN CONNECT
Art helps children connect to one another through collaboration, sharing materials, and discussing their art. Art creates a common ground for children who don’t know each other and who may or may not be interested in the same things. It is also a way for children to communicate with others non-verbally.
Adapted from The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family’s Life with Art & Creativity, © 2013 by Jean Van’t Hul. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications Inc., Boston, MA.