Today I was working at an nursery and was aware of how important art activities are at every stage.Well there is playdough , paper pens , paint and junk construction and collage. Every day the children are given the opportunity to use these materials. While they are engaged in the above activities they are learning how to manipulate their environment. They are building confidence and making things which are a record of their lives.They are using pictures to tell stories. They are also inmproving their fine motor skills an essential part of pre - writing skills.

When I was at teaching training college the art specialist told us that art is the centre of the curriculum and I have always believed that to be very true.

Maybe it is just me- but maths seems more interesting when you can draw pictures to represent sharing etc. or cut a circle decorated like a pizza in halves or quarters etc. Well I know I am a visual learner and so that is my preferred teaching and learning style.

The point I am trying to make though- is that the art seemed to stop at some stage in Primary school and left gaps in my life..sob- however I was blessed with having a granpa who was a cartoonist and who encouraged and inspired me.

Art can increase children's confidence and can even act as a therapy.
In the bigger picture Art is everywhere advertising , music and media furniture and fashion.

We need creative people to enhance and inspire us and art teaching should provide the relevant structure to do so.