Human beings have an intrinsic need and impulse to create art. Children are naturally inclined to create and make their own art. This may involve drawing simple pictures or scribbles with crayons or chalk, making music by beating on pots and pans, or expressing themselves through their own form of interpretative dance. Art in schools helps to channel, guide, and encourage the child's natural propensity for art. Art teachers suggest that the best rule of thumb for young children is to encourage the idea of creativity and fun. The young child should come to see art as a form of expression and that art is open to multiple interpretation. The role of art teacher is to encourage and not scold.
Creating art and working on art projects has advantages for the cognitive and emotional development of young students. Art making involves cognitive processes such as hand-eye coordination and motor skills, problem solving and thought processes, the relationship between ideas and symbols, and the ability to express feelings in a material medium. Creating their art also provides students with insight and appreciation into the artistic process.
The world of art introduces children to the idea richness and diversity of culture. In learning about art, children become aware of the importance of aesthetic values and the ways in which aesthetic values vary from culture to culture and one historical period to another. Children are able to see how people and cultures represent themselves through art. Art helps to frame a worldview and perspective. Exposing children to different types of folk art, comparing and contrasting artistic traditions, and teaching children about the history of art all enhances the child's overall education. Organized field trips to art galleries and museums helps children to personally encounter different artistic traditions and cultures.
Focusing on particular artists and their art work gives children detailed information and insight into the artistic process. Learning about the history of an artist and her cultural and historical context helps children to better appreciate art as a whole. Learning to interpret and understand art is an important part of cultural education. The general sense of being "cultured" usually entails an appreciation of the fine arts.