According to Jill Englebright Fox, Ph.D., and Stacey Berry, M.Ed., writing for EarlyChildhoodNews.com, when young children complete an artwork, they feel a sense of satisfaction and an understanding of their control over materials and decisions made in the art-making process. Offering preschoolers simple, open-ended art activities such as easel painting helps youngsters feel that sense of accomplishment.
Fine-motor skills are developed during art exploration. Doing art activities such as clay or play-dough encourages a young child's budding skills. According to Alex Colchico, of AplaceOfOurOwn.org, the fine muscles of the hands and fingers are developed when manipulating play-dough, which encourages their pencil-holding skills.
Sharing artwork from different cultures and times teaches preschoolers about new artists and concepts. Experimenting with new art materials and techniques broadens young children's understanding of the world around them and introduces them to art appreciation. Showing an artwork, such as Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" (1889) and then having preschoolers create their own rendition of the painting is an excellent way to introduce a fine artist and his work.
Displaying children's artwork around a classroom or within the home encourages a young child's self-esteem. When children view their finished artworks displayed in a respectful way, it encourages them to continue exploring their art skills and also to respect art themselves. For preschoolers, art is a means of self-expression, so when their artwork is appreciated by others, they truly feel special. Offering activities such as creating family portraits helps preschoolers explore their ability to be creative and make representations.
Young children's cognitive development is encouraged through the exploration of art with sensory exploration. Early art offers the ability to introduce concepts from other areas of study, such as math, in a fun and creative way. Children learn about shapes, patterns and lines through art, encouraging their future math skills. Preschoolers enjoy the challenge of creating a shape collage by cutting pre-drawn shapes out of construction paper, which encourages their cognitive development.