Painting links: art as a bridge for social interaction in children aged 3 to 4 years

Abstract

Social interaction skills are crucial for children's holistic development, enabling them to interact appropriately with others, express and manage their emotions, communicate effectively, solve problems, strengthen their self-esteem, and adapt to different social environments, thus contributing to their emotional well-being. In this context, the main objective of this research is to determine the impact of artistic expression on strengthening social skills in 3- to 4-year-old children at the IV Centenario Basic Education School in the city of Loja, during the 2025-2026 period. To achieve this, a mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, allowing for an objective and comprehensive evaluation of the topic. Data collection was carried out using the Abugattas Social Interaction Skills Test, administered to a group of fifteen children. The results showed that 67 % of the children exhibited a low level of these skills, with specific limitations in areas such as interaction with peers, self-affirmation, and emotion identification. However, after implementing a program of activities based on artistic expression, this percentage decreased significantly to 13 %. Therefore, it is evident that art is an effective tool for promoting social development through diverse forms, such as visual, dramatic, musical, physical, and linguistic expression, because it contributes to strengthening aspects such as cooperation, teamwork, following instructions, forming friendships, conflict resolution, self-control, and emotional expression—all vital elements for successful integration.