The Value of Art | TrinityHouse

Lynn van Jaarsveld (Principal of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Little Falls) • April 10, 2019

A toddler’s fist years is an exciting time with lots of exploration and discovery. Researchers show that creative activities are some of the fundamental building blocks during childhood development .

Care providers, parents, grandparents and teachers should plan regular creative activities with their toddlers to stimulate and develop their mind.

Once these children get involved in making art, it leaves them with a feeling of emotional satisfaction. It lends itself to physical development and the enhancement of fine and gross motor skills, as well as fosters children’s mentally, social skills, and emotional wellbeing.

It’s extremely important to make the art activities open-ended in order not to supress children’s individual creativity.

Deciding what they will make and what materials they will use may be the first opportunity they have to make independent choices and decisions.

Making art builds children's self-esteem by giving them opportunities to express what they are thinking and feeling.

One of the goals for art education, whether at school or at home, is to make children more creative regardless of where their creativity will be used.

Learning to create and appreciate the arts may be more important than ever to the development of the next generation of children as they grow up.

Why is art so important?

Develops creative thinking.
Provides means of communication and self-expression.
Serves as an emotional release.
Strengthens self-concept and confidence.
Increases self- understanding.
Heightens aesthetic awareness and sensitivity.
Enhances the ability to visualize.
Provides problem- solving/ decision making opportunities.
Develops the appreciation for the individuality of others.
Leads to integration of the individual.
Serves as a balance to classroom activities.
Aids physical co-ordination.
Develops work habits and a sense of responsibility.
Aids the adult in understanding and helping the child.
Generates JOY!
It covers the various fine motor skills taught.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Helping your child make smart subject choices: a guide for South African parents

September 10, 2025

One of the most significant academic decisions your child will make in their school career is which subjects to select. For many South African families, it can feel like a daunting task filled with pressure, uncertainty, and long-term consequences. But with the right support, tools, and guidance, parents can help their children make well-informed decisions that set them up for future success, both academically and professionally. The foundation of good subject choices lies in understanding your child’s academic ability and current performance. Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting require solid results in Grade 9 and a strong grasp of key concepts. Similarly, subjects like Engineering Graphics & Design (EGD) or Visual Arts cater to students with practical and creative aptitudes. Consider your child’s learning style: do they prefer theory, or do they thrive with hands-on learning? Although, it is normal to want what’s best for your child’s future, you should not force them to live up to your ideal of success. Rather initiate conversations about possible careers or areas of interest and explore how different subjects align with those pathways. Platforms like YENZA Careers are incredibly helpful in this regard. YENZA uses psychometric assessments to offer realistic subject recommendations based on your child’s strengths, interests, and potential career matches, and it gives parents access to the results too. “Choosing the right subjects is a balance of academic ability, interest, and long-term thinking,” says Sumari Purdon , Head of Academics for Trinityhouse Schools. “We encourage families to use this opportunity to start meaningful conversations about the future, with support from tools like YENZA and input from educators who know the student well.”