A child’s early art experiences can inspire a lifetime of creativity. Today, free online art lessons for kids make it easier than ever for parents and teachers to support these initial creative endeavors. For many young children, finger painting is the activity that first sparks their interest in the artistic process. And while this art style might seem basic, do not underestimate the many benefits of finger painting!
What Are the Advantages of Finger Painting for Kids?
Requiring only washable paint and paper to get started, finger painting offers the perfect blend of fun and learning for young children. As children experiment with this simple art activity, they can experience many positive developmental benefits.
Stimulates Sensory Development
Finger painting is an enjoyable, hands-on activity that engages multiple senses. Children can feel the smooth texture of the paint and the roughness of the paper, stimulating both sight and touch as they create lines, shapes and patterns. This immersive process gives a child an immediate, tactile connection to their artwork.
Improves Fine Motor Skills
As children move their fingers over the paper, they start to strengthen muscles in the hand and develop their hand-eye coordination. The fine motor skills young children develop through finger painting will help with a range of other activities, including playing musical instruments, sports and more.
Encourages Creative Expression
Teaching young kids to paint is a process that flows through various stages and builds on the skills and techniques they’re acquiring. Finger painting is often at the start of this learning path, as children are able to express themselves freely without concern over form or precision.
Boosts Cognitive Development
Art is an essential element in a child’s cognitive development. While finger painting might seem unstructured compared with more advanced techniques, mixing colors, experimenting with styles, solving problems (and other aspects of the creative process) will contribute to their intellectual development.
Improves Social Skills
Finger painting is a great activity for groups of children, teaching them to cooperate and share materials. Children can create their own work in a group environment, or collaborate on a larger single piece. By combining art with positive interactions, children develop their social skills and boost self-confidence.
Introduces the Fundamentals of Art
Colors, lines, shapes and textures are fundamental elements present in all our art resources for kids. Finger painting introduces these elements in their most simple form, making them accessible to young artists. Through this creative process children begin to understand the basics of color theory, and discover how simple lines can combine to create recognizable objects.
Watch Finger Painting Guides and Other Free Art Lessons
Golden Road Arts creates art lessons for young children at home or in the classroom. For free tutorials on finger painting and a range of other artistic techniques, make sure to browse our online content library. Watch free art lessons now.
