Arts Resources for Early Childhood Educators

What is the value of art in the early years? 

The value of art in the early years is profound, as it plays a critical role in fostering creative thinking in early childhood. Essential Resources provides expertly designed titles that help you foster creative thinking in young children. Explore activities that allow young children to express their ideas through various mediums. Nurture their imaginations and help them make sense of the world around them. Authentic art experiences in early childhood education provide children with opportunities to engage in creative learning that is meaningful and relevant to their lives. This contributes significantly to their overall development. 

Developing creativity in young children is essential, as it lays the foundation for problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Encouraging creativity in the early years through early years art exploration and diverse early years art activities supports not only artistic expression but also cognitive development. Research has shown that art and cognitive development in children are closely connected, with art activities helping to develop fine motor skills, visual-spatial awareness, and emotional intelligence. 

What are the benefits of creative play in the early years? 

Creative play in the early years offers numerous benefits that are essential for the holistic development of young children. One of the primary advantages is the promotion of creative thinking in early childhood, which allows children to explore their imagination and express their ideas in unique and innovative ways. Through early childhood art experiences and authentic art experiences in early childhood education, children engage in activities that are not only fun but also deeply enriching for their cognitive and emotional growth. 

Developing creativity in young children through creative play helps them build problem-solving skills and encourages them to think outside the box. These early experiences are crucial as they lay the foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability. Encouraging creativity in the early years through various forms of play, such as drawing, painting, or imaginative role-play, supports the development of critical thinking and decision-making abilities. 

Moreover, art and cognitive development in children are closely linked. Creative play activities often involve tasks that enhance fine motor skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and develop visual-spatial awareness. These activities also contribute to emotional development by providing children with a means to express their feelings and understand the emotions of others. 

Early years art exploration and early years art activities during play provide opportunities for children to experiment with different materials and techniques, fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery. This type of creative learning in early childhood is vital as it helps children develop a love for learning and a sense of autonomy in their educational journey. 

Where can I find ideas for teaching visual arts in the early years? 

Our Arts Resources for Early Childhood Educators are written by expert authors and contain easy ideas for teaching visual arts.  

For example, the First Art series contains loads of fun activities such as painting children’s feet, playing music and letting them dance across paper to make prints. This title also includes a variety of collage material suggestions, from sticky tape and natural objects to stickers, providing endless opportunities for children to experiment with texture, color, and composition. 

Additionally, Stepping Stones to the Visual Arts is a comprehensive collection of activities organised by themes.  

For more ideas you can also check out our blog, which features articles such as How to use the Arts to explore poetry.