Art helps develop children's creativity
By (ARA)
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(ARA) - We have all had the pleasure of observing or interacting with children when they bring their imaginations to life. Children have the ability to openly express themselves without being easily embarrassed. They often create their own ideas, theories and interests independently. One way to support and sustain a child's natural inclination towards creativity is to give them access to art education.
When a child receives quality art education, his or her ability to succeed in academic achievement is often interconnected, according to several studies.
The government is working to verify this connection, with the United States Department of Education funding a nationwide initiative called Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination. This program allows grant recipients to examine the value of arts education in strengthening academic achievement and learning in elementary and middle school students, and to identify and assess best practices.
A research study called "Thinking Through Art," completed by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, was funded through the DOE's grant. This study measured the impact of its multi-visit museum arts education program on the development and use of critical thinking skills in urban elementary students in grades 3 through 5. Its findings revealed a significant positive impact of arts education on critical thinking and learning for the students who participated.
The Dana Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, concluded from its study entitled "Learning, Arts, and the Brain" that the arts can train children's attention, which in turn improves cognition and might even improve math and reading skills.
Unfortunately, art education is often the first thing cut during budget crises. Bob Buchsbaum, chief executive officer of Blick Art Materials states, "Without thinking of the long-run impact that the loss of art-based curriculum has on students, some schools are making cuts."
Art-based curriculum cuts often leave parents looking for options outside of their children's traditional schooling. Parents can consider alternatives that still provide valuable art instruction, such as grade-level specific lesson plans at www.dickblick.com and at other companies that cover a variety of ages and have inexpensive associated supply lists. While supplementing an art education for your child is helpful, Buchsbaum encourages parents to remember that supporting art education at their children's local schools is the most direct way to provide for quality art education. Other opportunities for getting involved in your child's art education include enjoying an art project or activity together, visiting a museum together or enrolling in a community center art class together.
You can learn more about the discussion around art education by visiting Art Ally, a Blick Art Materials-supported blog, and the National Arts Education Association Web site.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
