In the world of early childhood education, the words “art” and “craft” are often used interchangeably but they represent two distinct types of creative experiences. Both have important roles in a well-rounded daycare curriculum, and understanding the difference helps educators support children’s development more intentionally.
What’s the Difference?
Crafts are typically guided activities with a specific end goal. There is usually an example to follow, instructions to complete, and a set of materials that children use to recreate a defined project.
Art projects, on the other hand, are open-ended and child-directed. There is no expected outcome, and the focus is on the process of creation rather than the product.
The Value of Crafts in Daycare
Pros:
- Develops fine motor skills (e.g., cutting, gluing, folding)
- Teaches children how to follow directions and sequence steps
- Introduces new tools and techniques
- Boosts confidence in completing a task “correctly”
Cons:
- May limit creativity if overly structured
- Children may become frustrated if their project doesn’t look like the example
- Emphasis may shift from enjoyment to perfection
Craft Ideas for the Classroom:
- Paper Plate Ladybugs: Children follow steps to paint and glue spots onto a red paper plate.
- Handprint Turkeys: Teachers guide students in creating the same themed project using traced handprints.
- Patriotic Windsocks: A Memorial Day craft using pre-cut shapes and an example model.
Crafts are best used when you want to teach specific techniques, celebrate a holiday, or practice listening and following instructions.
The Power of Open-Ended Art
Pros:
- Encourages creativity and self-expression
- Fosters independence and decision-making
- Builds emotional intelligence as children explore feelings through color and shape
- No right or wrong result—every creation is unique
Cons:
- May be messier or take longer to set up and clean
- Some children may need more guidance to feel successful
- Less predictable outcomes for display or thematic decoration
Art Projects for the Classroom:
- Free Paint Exploration: Set out tempera paints and brushes and let children create what they feel.
- Collage Station: Offer magazines, fabric scraps, glue, and scissors with no final product in mind.
- Nature Art: Provide natural materials (leaves, sticks, rocks) and let children build or glue as they choose.
Open-ended art is ideal for child-led exploration, emotional development, and fostering a sense of ownership in young learners.
A Balanced Approach in Early Childhood Education
At Training Wheels Childcare, both crafts and art projects have their place. Crafts help build structure and introduce children to following directions and completing steps, which are important school-readiness skills. Open-ended art encourages imagination, self-confidence, and expression, which are vital for emotional and cognitive growth.
Tips for Daycare Teachers and Parents:
- Rotate between guided crafts and open-ended art to provide variety.
- Avoid comparing children’s work—especially with crafts.
- Always allow space for personal touches, even in structured projects.
- Encourage process-focused language like “Tell me about your work,” or “How did you choose those colors?”
Incorporating both crafts and open-ended art in the daycare classroom supports the whole child. You are offering opportunities for creativity, skill-building, and self-expression. When early childhood educators embrace both forms of creativity, they help children grow into confident, imaginative, and capable learners.