Beyond Tempera Paint: Authentically Exploring Visual Art in Early Childhood

Abstract

All children have the right to creative expression through the arts. The creation of art cultivates critical thinking, reflection, and problem-solving skills. It also encourages systems thinking; the color choices, individual brushstrokes, and materials all contribute to a greater whole. Infusing art-making and arts education throughout the curriculum can help ensure optimal education and development. With a creative eye, the materials and means of art-making can be found everywhere. Art doesn't require expensive materials; children can paint with sticks and berries and sculpt with mud. In fact, art is often encouraged among children living in refugee camps and other crisis situations as a way to help them identify and process their emotions and experience the joy of creation. In this article, the authors outline the positive benefits of arts education and explore ways it can be integrated throughout the classroom and the curriculum.