Why Art Is Important In Childhood
Sadly schools seem more and more interesting in teaching to test in the basic subject while ignoring the importance of the Arts. Some schools are done away with Art all together even. Even in schools that still have arts programs more and more money is being taken from them and given to other areas like sports. While I will not say other areas are unimportant I do think more focus needs to be placed on the Arts. What do I know though…. I am just a mother right? Only it is Mothers and Fathers that have the ability to keep art alive in our children’s lives and that is a gift worth giving!
Creativity for Better Jobs and a Better future!
Lets consider a few facts, like how our constantly changing and growing world is going to demand more of our children in the future than those before us. Our children will have to be able to think outside the box creatively to solve complex new problems. While the basic education will help with basic problems, these complex ones will take creativity. The Arts promotes creativity in ways the other subjects can’t compete with! If we want our children to work at Walmart then I guess the basic education is enough, if we want our children to solve the issues these big box stores are creating for our society and world, they need to be brilliantly creative and brave!
Prevent or Heal Fear of Failure!
Sadly in America over one million students drop out a year. Our schools are failing our students. Often they students will quit or avoid a situation just to simply not fail when they try. While teaching to test creates fear of failure, Art focuses on fixing failure and learning from it without the fear. There is freedom in art and it doesn’t take a great art teacher to give this gift to a child.
Ability to use Criticism
A great article in the Washington Post shared information about the importance of the arts, from sculpting to theater. It pointed out the importance of the arts in teaching children to accept and use criticism constructively and not take it personally. In our often ego driven culture I think this is a very important point and a gift we can give our children when we take the time to make the Arts a part of their lives.
Bring Art Into The Home – It Isn’t Hard!
I have to say I find inspiration often time from other Crunchy parents who post about what they are doing with their children. Waldorf schools are full of the Arts and homeschoolers tend to be very creative too. Parents can get inspirations all over the place. You don’t even have to go to a museum these day to share great works with your children, they are here at our finger tips. Get some earth friendly art supplies and one night a week or even a month let the family explore different ways of being creative together.
— image by Lara Zankoul
