Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Children

As early as kindergarten, arts and crafts hold a critical place in children's education. Discover its benefits in the following article.
Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Children

Last update: 27 November, 2018

Doing arts and crafts provides a true means of expression for children. Activities such as drawing or painting allow them to unleash their imagination and express their inner thoughts and concerns.

Unquestionably, art plays a significant role in children’s development. Arts and crafts significantly improve children’s psycho-mobility since they practice handling different craft tools such as brushes and scissors, among others.

As with other cultural experiences, art is an excellent way for children to develop their appetite for knowledge, and establish values that will accompany them throughout life.

It’s not just by chance that arts and crafts make up a large part of nursery learning programs.

6 benefits of arts and crafts for children

These are the most outstanding benefits that painting and making things have for children. Surely, they’ll convince you to encourage your little ones to do arts and crafts!

1. They enjoy the process

The most important thing about arts and crafts is that children genuinely enjoy doing them. Also, when they draw, paint or cut, they have a goal in mind and then try to work towards making it real.

While working, teach them how to establish and reach and their goals. The primary purpose of doing arts and crafts at home or in the classroom is to teach children to enjoy every step of the process, as well as how to deal with their frustration and manage their expectations.

Some may say that the important thing is to participate, but it’s more important to have fun along the way! The final result doesn’t matter; the creative process is the exciting part.

Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Children

2. Individual creativity

Developing the imagination is as important as learning how to speak, learning the colors and even learning how to count.

Besides, art encourages children to express themselves and helps them break down language barriers excellently, especially when they’re young and haven’t started speaking yet.

3. They discover the world

Adults shouldn’t interfere with children’s creative process, but they can give them opportunities to get to know the world and experience it.

Paper, ink, plaster, clay, and natural elements such as leaves, earth, and water are great ways to get into contact with new materials, objects, textures, and possibilities. As a mother, your mission is to encourage their sense of exploration as you discover the world through them.

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance”

–Aristotles–

4. Body awareness and motor coordination

By touching and handling small objects, children can discover the world and understand their surroundings, which makes them curious. Bear in mind that designing, painting, and doing arts and crafts help children to develop their motor skills.

For example, the finger dexterity, and the hand-eye coordination that it takes to cut a piece of paper increases self-awareness. Also, children learn ways to take care of their body while performing different tasks and activities.

5. Self-esteem

Knowing how to fail is an artist’s number one rule, and the same goes for children too. It’s important to choose an activity according to your child’s age so that they’ll have a chance to succeed.

Besides developing essential emotional tools such as endurance, patience and self-control, all arts and crafts include a good deal of encouragement to do better. Keep in mind that art plays a crucial role in constructing self-esteem and confidence in children.

Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Children

6. Quality time between parents and their children

Arts and crafts are a fun way for parents to interact and to spend quality time with their children. Doing these types of activities encourages you to spend more time together, whether it’s painting, designing or creating.

By doing these types of fun activities, you can build new close relationships in which communication, cooperation, critical spirit, and the sharing of experiences and opinions are fostered.

Ultimately, to make arts and crafts a reality for children, it’s necessary to support them. Likewise, the teacher plays an essential role in encouraging the student, regardless of whether they choose art or another type of knowledge.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.