The Power of Art in Preschool: A Story of Collaboration and Growth

At Doodles Academy, we know that art is more than just paint on paper—it’s a way for children to discover themselves and connect with others. One of our favorite projects with preschoolers is our collaborative mural, where little artists come together to create something special while learning about the rich history behind this type of communal art.

But, working together doesn’t always come easy—especially when you’re only three years old!

Imagine this: You’re three, holding a paintbrush and pouring all your energy and joy into your part of the mural. Your section is coming to life with bright swirls of color, and you couldn’t be prouder! Then, just as you step back to admire your work, a friend swoops in and—uh oh!—draws right over your masterpiece. Suddenly, those big feelings bubble up inside you. Your hard work feels like it’s been “ruined!”

But here’s where the magic happens. With your teacher’s help, you learn how to use your words. Your teacher models collaboration and praises small moments of teamwork, encouraging everyone to focus on the shared goal. Together, you and your friend figure out a solution. Maybe your friend didn’t realize how important your artwork was, and now you can explain the ideas behind it. Or, maybe you find a way to blend your drawings together into something even more beautiful. In the process, you’ve learned to share, to compromise, and to work through those tough feelings.

This is what makes collaborative art so powerful. It’s not just about what ends up on the wall, but what’s happening in each child’s mind and heart. The mural becomes more than a beautiful piece of art—it’s a tool for growth. These little moments of “collaborative conflict” are perfect opportunities for children to practice social skills, problem-solving, and empathy.

At Doodles Academy, we use art as a dynamic medium to nurture the whole child. Our curriculum blends creativity with early literacy and social-emotional learning, helping children develop in a variety of ways. Through process art, children learn to express themselves, explore their feelings, and connect with others—all while having fun and being creative. These projects also introduce them to diverse artistic traditions, sparking curiosity and wonder about the world around them.

And the best part? Our program includes hands-on training for educators, giving them the tools they need to guide children through these meaningful learning moments, making the experience as enriching as possible.

So, the next time you see a group of kids working on a mural, remember: they’re not just making art—they’re learning to share, collaborate, and grow into kind, confident individuals.

At Doodles Academy , we believe art has the power to do just that.