Self-Expression in Preschool Art

Is your preschooler more of a Picasso or a Monet? Find out how to evaluate and improve your little artist.

What You Need To Know

Art is one of those subjects most children love. It’s creative and subject to interpretation. Here are some guidelines of artistic ability that experts have for the age group 3-5.

• Child progresses in experimenting with new materials.
• Uses materials to make something simple and then describes how it was made.
• Child makes shapes and linear patterns.
• Draws or paints images with a few details.
• Develops confidence in own creative expression.
• Child uses materials to build and create a structure to represent another item.

• Uses unique materials to paint pictures. (cotton swabs, straws, twigs)
• Attaches materials using tape, stapler or string.

• Discuss art that the child has created. (Tell me the story of this  picture?)
• Allow time for exploration of space and objects as well as color, balance, texture and design.
• Research different artists, their techniques and explore art through media. Famousartistsgallery.com (http://www.famousartistsgallery.com/) shows some famous art pieces. Be aware some work may not be appropriate for young children. Monet and Degas are good artists to start with.
• Find great preschool craft ideas on education.com. (http://www.education.com/activity/preschool/arts-and-crafts/)

• Provide your child with paint, crayons, markers, watercolors, collage materials, paper, scissors, glue, stamp pads, templates, stencils, clay and play dough.
• Allow a space to display their artwork, and works by various artists they enjoy.
• Display art at a child’s eye level.

A child’s artwork can give them a huge sense of pride. Be sure to give your child the freedom to explore with colors. Their grass may not be green and their sun may not yellow, but a picture from a child is always golden.