What Does Painting Do for Children?
Over the past few years, I have had the joy of reading and painting with children, thanks to their wonderful teacher, Barbara, who invites me to visit her class every year.
During our reading time, the children share what they’ve learned about the story Mona in a Mesh. Afterward, I bring out the paints and show them a simple way to create a Monarch butterfly. What happens next is always my favorite part—the moment their brushes touch the paper plates, the room fills with focus, excitement, and creativity.
Painting does so much more than create a pretty picture. I see the children carefully guiding their brushes across the paper, and I know they are strengthening their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. The same skills that help them hold a paintbrush also help them write their names and tie their shoelaces.
I also watch as they make decisions—Should the butterfly have larger wings? Can I add a leaf or use a different color for the butterfly? These small choices are the beginnings of critical thinking and problem-solving. And when they step back to see their finished work, the pride on their faces shows how painting builds confidence in ways words cannot always capture.
Perhaps my favorite part is how painting gives children a voice without needing to speak. Some add an extra leaf, others play with colors that surprise me. Each painting is a reflection of their imagination and emotions, a form of self-expression that is uniquely their own.
Of course, painting also teaches patience. The children learn that creating something beautiful takes time and care. Along the way, they strengthen their focus and attention, staying with their butterflies until every detail feels just right. And in noticing the delicate wings and the tiny patterns, they become more observant of the world around them.
When their artwork is finished, Barbara hangs each butterfly on the wall with their names proudly written below. The classroom becomes a gallery filled with bright colors, joyful effort, and a reminder of how art helps children grow in countless ways.
I am deeply grateful for the chance to share the story of Mona and Gigi, and even more thankful to witness the children discovering their new found skill, painting. It reminds me that art is more than an activity—it’s a way for children to enhance skills, explore their creativity, and most importantly, shine in their own special way.
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