The Benefits of Art for Kids

 Children are naturally curious. From the minute they gain control of their limbs, they work to put themselves out into the world to see how it all works. Art is a natural activity to support this free play in children. The freedom to manipulate different materials in an organic and unstructured way allows for exploration and experimentation.

 

Skills youth practice when participating in art activities include:

1. Fine motor skills. Grasping pencils, crayons, chalk and paintbrushes helps children develop their fine motor muscles. This development will help your child with writing, buttoning a coat and other tasks that require controlled movements.

2. Math skills. Children can learn, create and begin to understand concepts like size, shape, making comparisons, counting and spatial reasoning.

3. Cognitive development. Art can help children learn and practice skills like patterning and cause and effect. They can also practice critical thinking skills by making a mental plan or picture of what they intend to create and following through on their plan.

4. Language skills. As children describe and share their artwork, as well as their process, they develop language skills. You can encourage this development by actively listening and asking open-ended questions in return. It is also a great opportunity to learn new vocabulary words regarding their project (i.e., texture).