EP 44: Building Social Skills in Children Through Art with Beverly Beck

The Play Based Learning Podcast

Today I’m chatting with Beverly Beck, the mastermind behind Happy Little Humans, and we’re talking about one of my favorite things: creativity. We chat about creative expression and its profound impact on the social-emotional development of young children.

Key Takeaways:

1. Creative Expression as Learning: Beverly elaborates on how creative expression isn't merely an activity but a way of existing in the world. It serves as a powerful tool for children to explore, learn, and understand the world around them.
2. Art as a Universal Language: We discuss how art transcends boundaries, acting as a means of storytelling and communication. Beverly highlights its role as a universal language that connects us all.
3. Nurturing Social-Emotional Skills: Beverly emphasizes the importance of children understanding themselves and their emotions, fostering social-emotional learning for self-acceptance and genuine expression.
4. Holistic Early Childhood Education: We explore effective strategies for cultivating social-emotional skills in early childhood education. Beverly advocates for trust, safety, and authentic human connections within learning environments.
5. Process Art and its Significance: Distinguishing process art from traditional craft projects, Beverly emphasizes the journey over the outcome. She shares insights into valuing exploration and learning in creative endeavors.

If you’ve ever wondered if you should stop a child that’s using scissors incorrectly while they are creating, this episode is for you! This episode is filled with practical tips and heartfelt wisdom to help children build self expression and self discovery.

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Bev here: @happylittlehumansplay or at happylittlehumans.com

- grab Bev's free guide with 20 art and play activities here