Developmental Benefits of Art
By Grace Hwang Lynch
Motor Skills
Many of the motions involved in making art, such as holding a paintbrush or scribbling with a crayon, are essential to the growth of fine motor skills in young children.
Language Development
For very young children, making art—or just talking about it—provides opportunities to learn words for colors, shapes and actions.
Decision Making
According to a report by Americans for the Arts, art education strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Visual Learning
Drawing, sculpting with clay and threading beads on a string all develop visual-spatial skills, which are more important than ever. Even toddlers know how to operate a smart phone or tablet, which means that even before they can read, kids are taking in visual information.
Inventiveness
When kids are encouraged to express themselves and take risks in creating art, they develop a sense of innovation that will be important in their adult lives. “The kind of people society needs to make it move forward are thinking, inventive people who seek new ways and improvements, not people who can only follow directions,” says Kohl. “Art is a way to encourage the process and the experience of thinking and making things better!”
Cultural Awareness
As we live in an increasingly diverse society, the images of different groups in the media may also present mixed messages.
Improved Academic Performance
Studies show that there is a correlation between art and other achievement.
*Above information is from website PBS Parents.
*Photograph by Phyllis at Squiggle Studio kids art and design workshops.