Arts Education: Benefits That Must Be Saved
As an educator, there’s truly no better feeling than helping children succeed. Proper support and learning techniques are an important part of the process, but that’s not all that’s needed. Studies have shown that kids thrive when they have opportunities for fun, diverse, hands-on education — the kind that art, music, and theater classes naturally encourage.
When the love of art is fostered in children, that passion for creativity will serve them throughout their entire lives.
The Arts & My Family
If you follow me on social media, you’ve probably seen me post a lot about my hubby and my kids. They are some of the most creative people I know! My husband designs beautiful spaces and brings them to life with his woodworking skills, and my older daughter creates floral masterpieces that add beauty to the world. My younger daughter has starred in more than 20 major musical productions and is currently applying for musical theater college programs. It brings me joy to know that my children will have meaningful careers doing the things that bring them happiness.
But how did we all get to where we are today? My husband and I were fortunate enough to be raised in families that considered creative expression an important part of life. That love was passed down to our children. We encouraged them to take art classes, paint at home, sing, dance, or express themselves in whatever ways their hearts desired. Their creativity took many different forms, but they always had teachers and mentors that pushed them to explore those passions. Exposing your students to the arts and encouraging them to explore their own expressions of creativity has lasting benefits. Keep reading to learn all about these benefits!
This infographic by WETHEPARENTS.ORG shares 51 benefits of arts education for kids.
- Improved social skills: Participation in arts education classes is linked to more proactive participation, collaboration, a more nuanced view of the world, and an increased ability to use tolerance and empathy when communicating with others.
- Character development: Feelings of positivity, well-being, and self-esteem are associated with time spent in art class, as is the ability to use self-reflection to assess behavior.
- Physical boosts: The use of tools and techniques that art classes encourage may help children to refine their gross and fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination abilities.
- Academic recognition: Children who participate in arts education are more likely to be lauded for academic merit, hold a class officer position, and go on to higher education. They’re also less likely to drop out.
As We The Parents makes clear in this visual summary, the list of benefits is tremendous. To learn more and get involved, check out Americans for the Arts, which features information on National Arts in Education Week as well as talking points, event information, and local and federal opportunities for advocacy.
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