6 Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Kids

There are so many benefits of arts and crafts for children beyond being a worthwhile creative endeavor. In this article we will explore these benefits. Plus, download a free colorful activity page inspired by a children’s book about a creative girl who problem solves her way through a fashion mishap.

The Benefits of Arts and Crafts

Art certainly is a creative endeavor, but it’s also much more than that. When children sit down to tackle an art project, they have to use skills and capabilities that are important to their development. They must

• focus 

• follow instructions 

• use their fine and gross motor skills 

• exercise social-emotional capabilities like patience, resilience, self-control, and self-reliance  

Here are six important benefits of arts and crafts for kids.

Creative Thinking   

Creative thinking is the ability to come up with fresh new ways to handle challenges. Even when a child is following instructions, crafting provides ample opportunities for children to use their imagination, exercise their creative muscles, and make things their own.    

Resilience

Sometimes even the best artists can’t quite produce what they have in mind. How many times must a creative try until they get it just right? Not all artists will have the same level of fortitude, but all will learn the power of trying again. And they’ll learn to be okay with a little mess (sorry, caregivers!).  

Active Listening 

From learning how to cut with scissors, use glue, and properly hold a pencil to following step-by-step instructions to draw their favorite character, fold origami, or make fire-breathing dragons, art projects require a lot of attention. Kids will need to listen for instructions and learn to ask for help when they need it. 

Focus  

Art projects require focus, patience, and the very important skill of keeping our eyes on our own paper. There is no right or wrong way of making art, but it does entail work. And some projects, like tie-dye socks and Paper Mache piñatas require waiting for things to dry or set before moving on to the next step.   

Time Together 

Crafting is a great way for caregivers to bond with children. It creates an opportunity to form a connection and engage in play. Be encouraging, stay interested, and use the time to connect one-on-one and talk about what’s on their minds.  

Self-esteem  

Arts and crafts are special because a child works hard to make something tangible. This experimentation and creation give way to a huge sense of achievement and confidence. “Look what I made!” 

An Art Activity

For all reasons outlined in this article, art is an essential part of every school’s curriculum and is often one of the school subjects that children enjoy the most. Arts and crafts are also an amazing opportunity for caregivers and children to connect and create at home.

In my children’s book Paula’s Patches, problem-solver Paula patches her pants—which encourages her class to be resourceful, to mend, and to reuse. While at school, Paula’s pants catch on a bush that rips a large hole in her pants. She tries everything to hide the hole from her classmates, only to find out that they, too, have leaky lunchboxes, spaghetti stains, and hand-me-down backpacks. Nothing some colorful patches can’t fix! In this story, children follow Paula as she feels embarrassed about her torn pants, curious about patches, and excited for a possible solution that helps both her and her classmates. Paula’s Patches can be used as a starting point for discussions of consumerism, throwaway culture, and fast fashion.

There are many ways to integrate arts and crafts, with many benefits for kids. Reap the benefits listed in this article with the suggested activities or keep it simple and try different art mediums: rock painting, stringing beads, chalk, watercolors, finger painting, tissue art, paper weaving, sewing, and even baking (it counts as art if there are sprinkles!). You’ll find that arts and crafts are an amazing way to work together, springboard discussion, and help children grow.