The fundamentals of art should be part of a preschool's art theory, introducing color, line, shape and texture to children through various activities such as painting, drawing and sculpture. This encourages the manipulative stage of art development in children and allows preschoolers to express themselves through their beginning art skills. For example, easel painting using the primary colors is an art activity fitting for teaching the fundamentals of art.
Preschoolers should be introduced to the concept of the role of the artists or how they relate to their artwork. Encouraging children to talk about their artwork or explain how they used various materials to create their art teaches children about how they are the artists and can control their artistic decisions. This also allows preschoolers to begin to explore their mental development and understanding of art.
Art theory at the preschool level should also encompass looking at art and learning how to appreciate artwork of the past and present. Along with looking at famous artworks, children should spend time looking at artwork of their peers and discussing it with each other. This encourages self-confidence as well as communication skills. Once children enter the named scribbling stage of art development, they greatly enjoy talking about their art and describing it to others. Having preschoolers look at famous artwork and use their language to describe the things they see within the artwork is one way to develop this skill.
Art creation and exploration can also be focused on during art theory within the preschool setting. Along with learning and talking about art, children should be allowed to fully explore their creativity and art creation abilities without boundaries. Without being led to a specific outcome, children can use art materials to express themselves. Provide preschoolers with open-ended art materials, such as paints and crayons along with drawing paper, they can use as they wish and can freely explore.
Along with creating and exploring art, teaching preschoolers how art is found in other subject matters is an important part of preschool curriculum. Art and math go hand in hand with patterns, architecture and puzzles. Explore art and other subject areas through engaging projects, such as the creation of geometric and organic shapes.