Product vs Process · Raising Little Learners

Product vs Process

This one has always irked me when I see children’s art on a fridge, sent home from daycares, or displayed at children’s events and it was all product!

Let me tell you the difference between product art and process art.

Product art focuses on the final result. Everyone’s craft looks the same because the adult has already decided what it should look like. The child follows step-by-step directions to recreate it.

Example:

Every child glues the same pieces in the same place to make the same bunny, snowman, or flower.

Yes, it’s cute — but it’s mostly adult-directed.

Process art, on the other hand, focuses on the experience of creating.Children choose their own materials, explore, experiment, and make something completely unique.

The goal isn’t the finished piece — it’s the thinking, creativity, problem solving, and sensory exploration happening while they create.

You might see:

• different colours

• different shapes

• different ideas

• messy tables and proud kids

And the best part?

Every single piece looks different — because every child is different.

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