Helping the child to master the simplest techniques of modeling from plasticine, parents take care of his intellectual development. Scientists have shown that by activating the fine motor skills of the baby's hands, it is possible to positively influence his imagination, logical thinking, sensory memory, graphic and speech abilities. In addition, the child's nervous system normalizes and an aesthetic perception of the world develops.
Any activities of the baby related to tactile sensations contribute to the development of fine motor skills of the hands, intelligence, volumetric-spatial thinking. Experts believe that modeling among all types of artistic creation is the most tangible. After all, a drawing or applique made of paper can only be admired aesthetically if the work is successful. Otherwise, it will no longer be possible to make serious corrections. And plasticine gives ample opportunities for creativity, when a child feels its weight, volume, texture, learns to act harmoniously with both hands, endlessly correcting the conceived image.
At what age to give a child plasticine
Sometimes parents do not allow the child to use plasticine, believing that he is still too young for this activity. Indeed, a baby 1, 5–2 years old often simply pinches off small pieces and tries to stick them somewhere, be it a wardrobe, a TV or upholstered furniture. However, this age is the most suitable for getting to know plasticine and this can only happen in the absence of adult control. You should not spare time for classes with a child, because he needs to show even the simplest sculpting techniques.
First, you need cardboard so that the child can create abstract volumetric paintings on it, simply by flattening pieces of plasticine. At a year and a half, the baby is just getting to know its plastic properties. Then he will be able to master simple sculpting techniques and begin to roll balls and sausages from plasticine, which will be used as separate parts for the next craft. At first glance, nothing special, but it is during these moments that the child develops sensory sensitivity and imagination. The kid will be able to mold something meaningful on his own by the age of three, but this is provided that the plasticine falls into his hands much earlier.
The complex effect of sculpting on the overall development of the child
It is important that modeling lessons are accompanied by positive emotions, praise from adults. Only in this case the child will love this process, even if not everything will work out. Having learned to own the plasticine mass, the child will be willing to hone modeling techniques with the help of clay, dough, wet sand. Psychologists are sure that modeling has a beneficial effect on the child's nervous system as a whole, making him calmer and more emotionally stable.
Parents who instill a love of modeling will understand how right they were when their child goes to school. Developed finger motor skills will allow you to quickly cope with writing skills. It is noticed that the development of speech is directly related to this skill. Scientists have shown that the speech area of the brain is associated with impulses from the fingertips. It is not for nothing that children who study music are more successful in secondary school, even if they do not have a special musical gift. Sculpting has no less effect on brain activity.
Starting the next plasticine craft, the child is forced to mentally conceive a figure that is not in front of his eyes. Developed imagination will play a significant role in getting to know the world around you, will affect the development of attention, logical thinking, and visual memory. By devoting just half an hour a day to sculpting with a child, parents will lay a solid foundation for the further development of intelligence.
