Art plays a crucial role in early childhood development, offering young children benefits beyond their formative years. Creativity provides children valuable opportunities to explore their imagination, develop fine motor skills and express themselves. 

At Children’s Discovery Center, our Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education weaves art into S.T.E.A.M. lessons, allowing educators to nurture well-rounded, confident and imaginative young learners.

Why Art Matters in Early Childhood

In the Reggio Emilia approach, art is considered one of the “100 Languages of Children.” These foundational mediums also include music, theater and more, making up the many ways children communicate and understand the world and their experiences. 

From our perspective, art is about more than creating beautiful works; it’s essential to a child’s growth and learning process. From drawing and painting to sculpting and crafting, artistic activities offer children a unique way to explore and understand their world. 

Through art, children learn to make choices, solve problems and experiment with different materials and techniques. This process encourages them to think critically and embrace their creative instincts. Art time also provides families with a fun opportunity to create shared memories as beautiful as their works.

Art and Emotional Expression

Navigating the world can be a challenge for even the most grown-up adults. So imagine this from the perspective of someone exploring it for the first time! Art can be fundamental to helping young learners find themselves and their way.

Art provides a safe and practical outlet for children to express their emotions and experiences. Through creative expression, young students can more easily communicate complex emotions. By engaging in creative activities, children can process their thoughts, work through their feelings and better understand themselves and their experiences.

In our early childhood classroom settings, children are encouraged to explore their feelings through creative projects and collaborative work, which help them build empathy and understanding. Art activities become a means for children to connect with others and share their unique perspectives.

Integrating Art into Daily Life

Incorporating art into daily routines can be simple and enjoyable. Here are a few ideas to help you integrate art into your child’s life:

1. Create Art at Home: Set up a designated art space with a variety of materials such as crayons, markers, paints and paper. Encourage your child to explore and experiment with different techniques and styles.

2. Visit Art Museums and Galleries: Take your child to local art museums or galleries to expose them to different styles and forms of art. Discuss the artwork and ask questions to stimulate their curiosity and appreciation.

3. Incorporate Art into Everyday Activities: Use everyday tasks as opportunities for artistic expression. For example, cooking together can involve creating colorful fruit salads or decorating cookies with various designs, reinforcing the idea that creativity can be found in all aspects of life.

4. Participate in Community Art Events: Look for local art classes, workshops or community events where your child can participate. These activities offer opportunities for social interaction and exposure to new artistic experiences.

The Long-Term Benefits of Art

The benefits of art extend far beyond early childhood. Engaging in artistic activities helps children develop a range of valuable skills they can use throughout their lives. Creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking are essential to academic success and personal growth.

By fostering a love for art from a young age and incorporating Reggio Emilia principles, you set the stage for your child’s future achievements and well-being.

Find Your Child’s Spark at CDC

Let’s discover your child’s gifts together! For more than 40 years, Children’s Discovery Center has helped guide and expand the minds of Toledo’s youngest explorers. Our dedicated staff nurtures children into lifelong learners by providing an innovative environment promoting self-led discovery. Contact us today to learn more about our Reggio Emilia approach to learning, register your child and tour our facilities.