A child can benefit from art starting at a very young age, especially since his artistic ability develops before he is able to write and fully express his emotions. While creating an art project, he builds self-confidence, increases his observation of the world, develops visual perception and improves his hand-eye coordination. According to North Dakota State University, art contributes to brain development and helps expand memory.
Birth to Two Years
During the first two years of life, a child is beginning to notice patterns, colors and the difference between light and dark. She also uses her senses to explore and communicates between gestures, facial expressions, and eventually, simple words. She may begin scribbling around 15 months of age. Her observations allow her to begin to recognize patterns and communicate ideas and thoughts through art in her next few years.
Two to Four Years
A child age two to four begins by primarily scribbling and may progress to drawing geometrical shapes. At this age, he is learning to explore the space available to him. He may draw using an entire piece of paper or finger paint on whatever surface is available to him. He will be able to construct with clay and may approach his projects with intent to create something specific. His creations can represent specific features about people and places. He may name his projects when he is finished, even if he wasn't creating something specific.
Five to Seven Years
At age five to seven years, a child is in the pre-schematic art stage. This means that she attempts to represent people or objects with her creations. Adults may be able to recognize her drawings or clay formations. She will use a lot of colors, learn to control direction and size, and incorporate her personal style into the project. Many of her creations will represent her emotions and she will seek approval for her work. At this stage, if she makes a mistake or unplanned mark on her project, she will probably work it into the piece as if it belongs there.
Seven to Nine Years
A child age seven to nine is in the schematic art stage. He uses symbols in his work, such as a heart to represent love or a smiling face to symbolize happiness. His understanding of the environment has improved, but it still isn't perfect. For example, he may draw a horizon that does not meet the ground in the distance or a tree that reaches up to the sun.
Nine to Fourteen Years
During the ages of nine to fourteen, a child uses much more detail in her work than ever before. Her paintings, sculptures, drawings and pictures have thought and planning behind them. She is passing through the realistic and pseudo-naturalistic stage of art, which means that in addition to increased detail, she is also more critical of her work. Her pieces are also more adult like than childish.
