Many of the motions involved in making art, such as holding a paintbrush or scribbling with a crayon, are essential to the growth of fine motor skills in young children.

According to the National Institutes of

Health, developmental milestones around age three should include drawing a circle and beginning to use safety scissors. Around age four, children may be able to draw a square and begin cutting straight likes with scissors. Many preschool programs emphasise the use of scissors because it develops the dexterity children will need for writing.