What Do Kids Learn From Looking At Art?

• Focus. When students look at art and keep noticing the elements of the artwork for 20+ minutes, they learn to focus on what they see. In our world of fast-paced media and short attention spans, this is an important exercise that will serve them well.

• Higher-Order Thinking. Interpreting art allows students to use their brains in more complex ways. When looking at art, students evaluate, analyze, compare, criticize, and construct meaning.

• Empathy. Looking at art helps students understand and better recognize the feelings of others across social and cultural boundaries.

• Connection. Looking at art in a group connects you with those in the group, but looking at art also connects you to the past, to the artist, to the culture, and to anyone else who has also stood before that artwork. It’s a powerful feeling when you step back and see all the ways we are connected.

• Respect. Connecting with other cultures and new ideas through art invites students to step out of their comfort zone and into the world. This process can help them learn to respect the people and things that are different from them and their experiences.

• Observation and Awareness. Disciplined looking gives students a chance to notice details they may not have seen with a quick look. It trains the student to be more aware of the world they are in.

• Understanding Media/Images. The world we live in is flooded with images. Our kids need to be well-versed in recognizing the messages those images send.

• Understanding of Self. Art helps us figure out our thoughts and feelings and see the world and ourselves in ways that nothing else can. Our lives can be changed forever by an artwork that feels like it was made for us.

• Curiosity and Wonder. Art helps foster a sense of wonder and excitement about the world, inspiring creation, and creativity in all aspects of life.