Art

Art provides the focus of many activities in an early childhood classroom. Through drawing, painting, modeling, cutting, and assembling, children explore materials and tools while learning to express ideas and emotions. By observing children engaged in art activities and the products they create, adults learn about children’s feelings and understandings, their capabilities, and their potential. This entry first discusses how art supports the development of the whole child as well as children’s artistic development. It then discusses the components of an early childhood art program, the physical components of the art center, how art relates to subjects across the curriculum, and the assessment of children’s artwork.