9 . Art helps children learn to observe , describe , analyze and interpret . These critical thinking skills will be necessary in academic subjects such as math , science and writing .
10 . Children in the arts will learn to reflect on a project and see ways to improve or change . They will envision how they might say a line or how they might project their voice in the next performance . They ’ ll brainstorm ways to sculpt the clay so it looks more like a giraffe the next time .
11 . Children learn collaboration . Working in a singing group , acting a part in a play or working on a class mural are all projects that require communication , shared goals and working side by side to achieve those goals .
12 . Children who participate regularly in the arts have been found to achieve better grades and win more awards than those children who don ’ t have that luxury . ( As reported in a 10- year study by Shirley Heath of Stanford University .)
Providing experiences for your children in the fine arts can be as simple as supplying an art corner in your family room . It can be singing songs together or reading poetry aloud . You can make homemade playdough or use old socks to make puppets . It doesn ’ t have to cost money or take a lot of time .
You may also choose to enroll your children in music lessons , art lessons or drama classes . You may take them to local art museums and introduce them to folk art , sculpture or oil paintings . Whatever efforts you make to expose your children to the arts will pay off in their motivation , expertise and joy in creative learning .
So get artsy with it and watch your children bloom .
Sources
The Importance of the Creative Arts for Children and Teens , Jay Davidson , The Child Development Institute , July , 2001 .
Benefits of Arts to Kids , raisesmartkids . com , 2016 .
The Importance of Art in Child Development , Music and Arts Education , PBS Parents .
Preparing Students for the Next America : The Benefits of an Arts Education , The Arts Education Partnership , April , 2013 .
Youth Development and the Arts in Nonschool Hours , Shirley Brice Heath and Elisabeth Sorp , 1998 .
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