How Art Helps Kids Learn Better in School

Art is often viewed as a “nice extra” in schools — something that happens once a week, on a Friday afternoon, or when there’s spare time.

But research and classroom experience consistently show that art plays a meaningful role in how children learn, not just what they create. When art is taught with structure and intention, it supports skill development, confidence, focus and creative thinking across the curriculum.

At Artventure, we see this impact daily in classrooms and homes around the world.

Art supports learning, not just creativity

Learning through art isn’t only about self-expression. It also helps children develop core learning skills, including:

• observing closely

• following instructions

• problem solving

• persistence

• visual literacy

These skills transfer directly into other learning areas such as literacy, numeracy and inquiry-based learning.

When children are supported with structured art lessons, they are better able to engage with tasks, complete work, and reflect on their learning.

👉 You can read more about the importance of structure in art education here:
Why Structured Art Lessons Matter in Today’s Classrooms
https://www.artventure.com.au/blog/structured-art-lessons

Art builds confidence and willingness to try

Many children enter the classroom believing they “aren’t good at art”.

This belief often comes from a lack of guidance rather than a lack of ability.

When children are given:

• clear, step-by-step instruction

• achievable goals

• example artworks that demonstrate techniques

they are far more willing to attempt tasks, persist through challenges, and take creative risks.

This confidence often carries over into other learning areas, particularly for children who struggle with written or verbal expression.

Structured art lessons work best in real classrooms

In busy classrooms, time and energy are limited.

Art lessons need to be:

• easy to implement

• flexible across year levels

• suitable for generalist, specialist and relief teachers

• achievable within short timeframes

This is why structured, ready-to-use art lessons are so effective. They reduce preparation time for teachers while still supporting meaningful learning outcomes for students.

Artventure lessons are designed with real classroom use in mind — whether as part of a Visual Arts program, an early finisher activity, or a creative reset during the school day.

Art supports different types of learners

Not all children learn best through words or numbers.

Art provides an alternative pathway for learning by supporting:

• visual learners

• kinaesthetic learners

• students who struggle with traditional assessment

• children who need time to process information

Through drawing, painting and making, children can demonstrate understanding, explore ideas, and communicate visually.

Art and curriculum learning go hand in hand

Art is not separate from curriculum learning — it supports it.

Well-designed art lessons can reinforce:

• observation and descriptive language

• sequencing and planning

• critical and creative thinking

• reflection and self-assessment

At Artventure, lessons are designed to align with curriculum expectations while remaining accessible and engaging for children.

You can learn more about how Artventure connects art learning to curriculum outcomes here:
Our Connections to the Curriculum
https://www.artventure.com.au/blog/our-connections-to-the-curriculum 

Why teachers value ready-to-use art lessons

Teachers consistently tell us they value art lessons that:

• require minimal preparation

• are easy to explain and demonstrate

• support a wide range of abilities

• result in successful learning experiences

Having access to clear, structured art instruction allows teachers to focus on supporting students rather than managing materials or designing lessons from scratch.

For practical classroom resources, you may find this helpful:
Free Art Lesson Plans for Teachers and Homeschoolers
https://www.artventure.com.au/blog/free-art-lesson-plans-for-teachers-and-homeschoolers 

Getting started with Artventure

If you found Artventure through the Adelaide Fringe School Guide, or while searching for art education resources, this is a great place to begin exploring how art supports learning in schools.

Artventure provides online, step-by-step art lessons designed for:

• schools

• classrooms

• families and homeschoolers

👉 Explore Artventure for Education
https://www.artventure.com.au/education 

👉 Start a free trial
https://www.artventure.com.au/store