50+ Process Art Activities for Kids

These process art activities for little kids are a wonderful way to encourage creative thinking and problem solving, increase fine motor skills, and of course, provide sensory exploration too. You’re definitely not going to want to miss this list of 50+ Process Art Activities that your little learners are sure to love! Check it out today!

Little kids love process art and let’s not forget how important it is for them from a developmental perspective.

Creative thinking and problem solving, increasing fine motor skills, and also providing opportunities for sensory exploration are just a few of the many benefits of process art experiences.

If you’re a preschool teacher or homeschool mama, especially K-2 or early elementary, then you’re definitely going to want to stick around and explore all of the awesome process art ideas here on The Keeper of the Memories.

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There’s a lot to choose from. We add process art to just about every one of our preschool themes. And most of these invitation to create activities can be adapted for your little learners of just about any age.

From toddlers to early elementary, kiddos will love having the opportunity to create and explore with lots of non-conventional supplies.

I hope that you enjoy using these ideas with your little kids as much as I loved creating them with mine.

What Is Process Art & Why Is It Important

Do you remember drawing and coloring as a young child? Getting totally wrapped up in the process and not being at all concerned with the end result?

You enjoyed mixing colors, exploring supplies and experimenting with lots of different techniques.

And then there’s the mess… But you know what? That’s half the fun.

Back then, you just wanted to create. The end result didn’t really matter all that much to you.

What’s the Difference Between Process and Product Art?

That’s exactly what process art is. It’s open-ended and has no definite end product. There are no directions to follow and no example to recreate.

Process art has no end product like most of the preschool crafts that we typically refer to as product art.

Children thrive on this way of creating! They enjoy using their imaginations, getting messy, and trying new things. Not to mention, it’s a great way to build their confidence.

By now you’re probably wondering why you might want to focus on process art. How does open-ended art benefit children? Why are process-based experiences so important?

Keep reading to learn five of the many reasons why process art is important for kiddos.

5 Reasons Why Process Art Is Important for Little Kids

Inspire Creative Thinking

Preschoolers are inquisitive and thrive on having the opportunity to be creative. Giving little kids opportunities to express themselves as often as possible helps to build confidence and self awareness.

Encourage Problem-Solving Skills

There are so many reasons why creative thinking and problem solving skills are important for kiddos. These skills will give your little learners a definite advantage when it comes to learning science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Provide Sensory Experiences

Your little kids’ development depends on play and getting messy is an important part of that. Kiddos use sensory play to explore the world around them and in the process they get to experiment with new textures and sensations.

Increase Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are one of the single most important skills your little kids will learn. From eating to writing and everything in between, fine motor skills are critical for children. And of course the more we practice, the easier these things get.

Explore New Materials and Mediums

All little kids do things in their own time and on their own terms. What one is ready for another might not be. Talk about a great way for kiddos to explore new materials and mediums! After all, every child is unique.

I seriously can’t wrap my head around how much little kids can learn from just one quick & easy activity. And like I said, that’s just a few of the reasons why process art is so important.

It’s actually kind of crazy when you stop to think about it.

If you haven’t already tried open-ended art experiences with your children, here are a few ideas to get you started. And of course make sure to check out our Tot School & Preschool Themes for Little Kids to get even more ideas for using process art in your homeschool or classroom. You’ll find ideas for all four seasons – spring, summer, fall and of course winter too!