THE BENEFITS OF THE ARTS IN SCHOOLS

1. Creativity.

Self-Expression and Creative Thinking Practice

2. Improved Academic Performance.

The arts don’t just develop a child’s creativity—the skills they learn because of them spill over into academic achievement. PBS says, “A report by Americans for the Arts states that young people who participate regularly in the arts (three hours a day on three days each week through one full year) are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math and science fair or to win an award for writing an essay or poem than children who do not participate.”

3. Motor Skills.

Simple things like holding a paintbrush, drawing with a pencil and using scissors an important element to developing fine motor skills, especially in this age of digital everything.

4. Confidence.

Stepping outside of comfort zones, improving and seeing progress grows self-confidence.

5. Visual Learning.

Development of visual-spatial skills. Dr. Kerry Freedman, Head of Art and Design Education at Northern Illinois University says, Art education teaches students how to interpret, criticize, and use visual information, and how to make choices based on it.

6. Decision Making.

The arts strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills which are Imperative for success in life.

7. Perseverance.

Hard work and perseverance pay off. This mindset will certainly matter as they grow—especially during their career where they will likely be asked to continually develop new skills and work through difficult projects.

8. Focus.

As you persevere through painting or singing or learning a part in a play, focus is imperative. Focus is vital for studying and learning in class as well as doing a job later in life.

9. Collaboration.

Many of the arts such as band, choir, and theater require kids to work together. They must share responsibility and compromise to achieve their common goal. Kids learn that their contribution to the group is integral to its success—even if they don’t have the solo or lead role.

10. Accountability.

Just like collaboration, kids in the arts learn that they are accountable for their contributions to the group. If they drop the ball or mess up, they realize that it’s important to take responsibility for what they did. Mistakes are a part of life, and learning to accept them, fix them, and move on will serve kids well as they grow older.

Adapted from 10 Reasons Why Arts in Education Is so Important for Kids by Lauren Martin | Jan 24, 2014 | https://www.learningliftoff.com/10-reasons-arts-in-education-important-kids/