Today, any preschool program worth its salt has a rich arts curriculum. From music and dramatic play to sculpting and coloring, art is an integral facet of early childhood education. Parents of older children see the pitfalls of budget cuts to public school art programs. However, arts-infused preschool curriculum, like that at Seagull Schools in Honolulu, serves as a model for successful learning environments.

By pulling from valued sources such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Hawai'i Preschool Content Standards, Seagull Schools has built a curriculum that meets the individual needs of local children. When it comes to art education, their highly qualified teachers know about its many benefits:

• Art is a safe form of self-expression: It's important for preschool-aged children to have a variety of methods to explore their own experiences. Young kids can work through positive and negative emotions using art, and this outlet provides a sense of control as they begin to understand their own feelings.
• Art improves fine motor skills: When kids learn to cut and paste, trace along a line, and use a paintbrush, among other skills, they build hand-eye coordination. These art activities also strengthen the subtle movements necessary for future academic endeavors such as writing and typing, as well as life skills like buttoning a jacket and dialing a phone.
• Art teaches problem-solving skills: Making art is often a process of experimentation. They have to test a sculpture's balance or try mixing colors to get the one they want. Art gives preschoolers permission to make mistakes and learn from them in a safe environment.
• Art teaches children to trust themselves: When given free reign over their artwork, children learn to rely on their own judgement as they make choices about their creation.
• Art provides opportunities for success: Unstructured art activities allows children to assert their individuality. Since there is no expected outcome, children build confidence as they create their own vision and decide when their work is complete, thus giving them a sense of accomplishment.

These are just a handful of ways that art improves early education for children. Art can also open new ways of seeing the world, teaching children about different cultures; it can also be used as a tool in other disciplines like math and science. This interdisciplinary approach is what makes Seagull Schools a top-notch preschool program. You can learn more about this amazing day care program in Honolulu by visiting them online or by calling NUMBER.