Article Sidebar

Date Published: 08/02/2026
Abstract Views: 4
DOI: 10.52714/dthu.15.1.2026.1741
Issue
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): Issue of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnamese)
Section
Social Sciences and Humanities Issue (Vietnamese)
How to Cite
Le, V. H. (2026). The role of visual arts activities in the development of early childhood. Dong Thap University Journal of Science, 15(1), 72-82. https://doi.org/10.52714/dthu.15.1.2026.1741

Metrics

Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

The role of visual arts activities in the development of early childhood

Van Huy Le1,
1 Faculty of Preschool Education, University of Education, Hue University, Vietnam

Main Article Content

Abstract

Early childhood (0-6 years) is a critical period for foundational development. Visual arts activities, including drawing, sculpting, and collage, represent a potent educational tool. This systematic review research aims to synthesize and analyze existing scientific evidence on the multifaceted role of VAA in the cognitive, social-emotional, motor, and creative development of children aged 0-6. A review method, guided by PRISMA recommendations, was employed, involving searches across major databases (ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus) and Vietnamese sources. Studies were selected based on predefined criteria and analyzed using thematic analysis. The synthesis reveals that visual arts activities positively and interactively impacts all developmental domains: fostering spatial reasoning and problem-solving (cognitive); supporting emotional expression, confidence-building, and cooperation skills (social-emotional); refining fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination (motor); and strongly nurturing divergent thinking and imagination (creativity). Key influencers of effectiveness include prioritizing the process over the product, providing rich learning environments, and the teacher's supportive, non-directive role. The review confirms the indispensable role of high-quality visual arts activities and suggests significant implications for early childhood education practices, teacher training, and policy-making.

Keywords

Creativity, early childhood education, holistic development, systematic review, visual arts.

Article Details

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

References

Australian Government Department of Education. (2018). Belonging, being & becoming: The early years learning framework for Australia. Commonwealth of Australia.
Baker, D. W. (1994). Assessment in the arts: Is it appropriate in the early childhood years? Art Education, 47(3), 12-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/00393541.1994.11650436
Bertram, R., & Mistry, V. (2022). The impact of art education on children's social skills development: A critical analysis. International Journal of Early Childhood Education, 54(2), 178-192.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Danko-McGhee, K., & Slutsky, R. (2018). Impact of early art experiences on literacy development. National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Department for Education [UK]. (2021). Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. Crown Copyright.
Gandini, L. (2022). The atelier: A unique artistic expression for children. KLA Schools. https://www.klaschools.com/insights/the-atelier-a-unique-artistic-expression-for-children
Gandini, L., & Edwards, C. P. (Eds.). (2023). The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education (4th ed.). Praeger.
Hetland, L., Winner, E., Veenema, S., & Sheridan, K. M. (2013). Studio thinking 2: The real benefits of visual arts education. Teachers College Press.
Jacobson, L. (2022). Teacher self-efficacy and the visual arts in early childhood education. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 43(1), 88-107. https://doi.org/10.1080/10901027.2022.2436352
Kemple, K. M., & Johnson, C. (2021). The importance of arts in early childhood: Building connections across the curriculum. Childhood Education, 97(2), 34-43.
Kohl, M. F. (2022). Preschool art: It's the process, not the product. Gryphon House.
Koster, J. B. (2014). Growing artists: Teaching the arts to young children (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Kuban, C., & DeSouza, E. (2020). An analysis of characteristics of children's growth through practical art. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(14), 5032. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145032
Mages, W. K. (2022). Visual arts participation and young children's social development. Education 3-13, 50(4), 456-469. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2024.2304790
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., & The PRISMA Group. (2015). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Medicine, 6(7), e1000097. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097
Nguyễn , T. N. M., & Nguyễn , T. L. (2024). Thực trạng phát triển khả năng sáng tạo cho trẻ mẫu giáo 5-6 tuổi thông qua hoạt động chơi với vật liệu rời. Tạp Chí Giáo dục, 23(đặc biệt 9), 213–219. Truy vấn từ https://tcgd.tapchigiaoduc.edu.vn/index.php/tapchi/article/view/1200
Nguyễn, T. Y. P. (2011). Phát triển tri giác mĩ cho trẻ mẫu giáo lớn (5-6 tuổi) qua hoạt động tạo hình tại trường mầm non. Tạp chí Tâm lý học, (6), 59-70. ISSN: 1859-0098.
Oğuz, V. (2016). A study into the effects of art education on children at the socialisation process. Journal of Educational Research, 2(3), 82-91.
Oreck, B. (2020). Arts integration and the whole child: How the arts, play, and social-emotional development benefit preschoolers. Early Childhood Education Journal, 48(3), 331-343.
Russell, J. (2021). The language of collaboration: Art inquiry among art and early childhood educators. Arts Education Policy Review, 122(3), 158-169. https://doi.org/10.1080/10632913.2024.2427675
Seefeldt, C. (2023). Art for young children. In J. Roopnarine & J. Johnson (Eds.), Approaches to early childhood education (7th ed., pp. 246-263). Pearson.
Smith, H. (2022). Creative activities for preschooler learning and development. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 20(1), 53-67.
Swanson, J., Ramirez, K., & Ohana, C. (2018). STEAM-based learning to enhance early childhood creativity. Journal of STEAM Education, 4(2), 91-104. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.377996372
Thompson, C. M. (2019). The visual arts and early childhood learning (2nd ed.). National Art Education Association.
Traunter, M. (2021). Action research through art: Social studies in early childhood. Journal of Educational Research, 114(3), 201-213. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2025.2454686
Zhao, L., & Chen, H. (2019). Early childhood arts curriculum: A cross-cultural study. International Journal of Art & Design Education, 38(2), 510-523. https://doi.org/10.1111/jade.12209