Art is just one of the many creative activities that can help child-ren improve cognitive develop-ment, strengthen communication, expressive skills and boost reasoning and organisation skills.

“By being able to explore their creativity, children can exercise skills which can strengthen their academic abilities and success in school,” says Simone Stilon, an art teacher and practicing artist principal of Kidzart.

Kidzart is an American drawing based programme founded in 1993 that aims to develop the creativity and imagination of children. It is now being offered as an after-school programme in several schools.

Kidzart teaches children easy-to-learn drawing techniques in a nurturing, non-competitive environment. The use of age-appropriate, safe, professional-level art supplies, creative activities and focusing exercises can enhance learning and build skills needed to succeed in the classroom.

By the time pupils are seven or eight years old, they are very often exposed to art but not the basics of drawing and real hands-on experience.

For more information about Kidzart view www.kidzart.com or e-mail Ms Stilon at kidzart@go.net.mt.