There are three smells I remember from childhood:
The first is airline plastic. This smell has negative connotations for me, related to the chest tube treatment of a collapsed lung.
The second is rubber and WD-40, the smell of the bike shop where my father worked.
Finally, the smell of crayons sends me rocketing through nostalgic memories.
The smell of crayons transcends generations. An often-cited study at Yale University ranked the smell at 18 of the 80 most recognizable scents to adults.
I am happy for the reminder of childhood each time I open a box of Crayola. However, this is no simple reminder. Art exploration is a significant part of how children experience self-expression and creativity.
Art is a tool for children to learn how to communicate and express their feelings. It serves as an outlet for pain, anger, and sadness. Most importantly, art encourages children to dream and pursue their passions in life. When children can tap into their creative side and use art to express their interests and beliefs, they learn more about who they are, what they like, and what they believe.
