Art in the ELC
Art in the ELC – more than just paint and glitter!
When you walk into a preschool room, chances are you’ll find an explosion of colour – paintings on the walls, sculptures made of boxes and glue, collages bursting with texture, and drawings of everything from rainbows to rocket ships. To an adult, these may look like simple creations, but for children, art is a powerful form of expression, exploration, and learning.
In the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), art supports several key outcomes, particularly Outcome 1 (children have a strong sense of identity), Outcome 3 (children have a strong sense of wellbeing), and Outcome 5 (children are effective communicators). When children pick up a paintbrush, they’re not just mixing colours – they’re learning to share ideas, express feelings, and communicate in their own unique way.
Art experiences in preschool are all about the process rather than the product. Children delight in squishing paint between their fingers, sticking feathers onto cardboard, or experimenting with what happens when they mix red and blue. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s an important part of how they make sense of the world around them. Every squiggle, splash, or glued-on button tells a story about what they are thinking, feeling, or imagining.
Through art, children also build fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination. The simple act of cutting paper, holding a crayon, or rolling clay strengthens the muscles in their hands and fingers, preparing them for future skills such as writing. Just as importantly, these experiences encourage problem-solving and persistence. If the tower of cardboard tubes keeps falling down, how can they make it stronger? If the colour doesn’t come out as expected, what could they try next?
Creating masterpieces also reflects the ideas within Cultures of Thinking, which values children as capable, curious learners. When children are given time, space, and meaningful materials, their artwork becomes a visible trace of their thinking. It’s not just ‘making something pretty’ – it’s making their thinking visible, celebrating creativity, and encouraging children to see themselves as thinkers and problem-solvers.
Most of all, it is fun! It sparks imagination, encourages curiosity, and allows children to explore without the pressure of a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer. In a world that often values neatness and rules, preschool art celebrates freedom, play, and individuality.
So next time you admire your child’s colourful masterpiece, remember, it’s much more than paint on paper. It’s a reflection of their growing mind, their emerging identity, and their joy in learning.
Kristin De Vos
Head of early Learning Centre
