With the shift toward Common Core studies in school, parents also need to understand the benefits of art education. “I know that art, music, dance—those things are so important for our kids. And with less focus on it at school, we work on doing things at home,” says Tamika Green, Kansas City, MO, mom. The developmental benefits of the arts are many:
Improved motor skills. Motions required to move a paintbrush or hold a crayon are key in the development of fine motor skills in young children. According to the National Institutes of Health, developmental milestones around age 3 should include drawing a circle and beginning to use safety scissors. Near age 4, children may be able to draw a square and begin cutting straight lines with scissors.
Enhanced language development. The more words children speak and hear during the day, the faster their brains grow in language development. Dramatic play gives children the opportunity to use their language, listen to language and try out new scenarios for words they have learned.
Faster decision-making. According to a report by Americans for the Arts, art education strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in children. When kids make decisions and choices while creating art, they are actually developing skills that carry over into other parts of life.
Cultural awareness. Teaching children about the choices made by artists, the origins of art and the meaning behind art creates learning opportunities to discover things about other cultures. In our increasingly diverse society, this understanding is more important than ever.
Improved academic performance. Americans for the Arts reports that children who participate in arts at least three hours per day, three days per week are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement!
Few would argue against the benefits to children of participating in the arts, but knowing how to get involved and identifying which activity might be right for your child can be daunting. “We keep talking about signing our daughter up for something—but we don’t know where, what or how! It is a lot to dive into,” says Kim Wilson, Overland Park. Here are some different types of arts-focused activities and some tips on how to make them time- and budget-friendly!
Drama.
What is it?
The art of drama includes anything that is performed on a stage in front of an audience. Activities can include readings or acting.
How can it work for you?
If your child is interested in pursuing dramatic arts, many community theater programs are worth investigating. In addition to classes, many of the programs offer camps throughout the year for your child to try drama. You can also encourage your child to participate in the theater program at school or try out for the talent show to make sure he or she is comfortable performing for an audience.
Music.
What is it?
The musical arts include singing, rapping, playing and writing music.
How can it work for you?
Your child can get acclimated to the musical arts through many avenues. Borrowing an instrument or purchasing one at a consignment sale is a great way to save money before your child commits to learning that instrument. Taking part in choir at church or at school is an excellent way to learn the ropes of singing before investing in voice lessons.
Dance.
What is it?
The art of dance is the art of movement and it includes many genres: ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballroom and many more.
How can it work for you?
Many dance studios offer a free class before you commit to enrolling. Many extra costs accompany participating in dance, including special shoes, clothing and costumes. Different studios have different polices and price points on these things, so be sure to explore the options. Different studios also take different approaches to instruction, and you’ll want to have a good understanding of what you want your child to gain from the experience before you enter the relationship. Dance costumes, leotards, shoes, etc., are often available for sale at consignment sales and on swap-and-shop pages at discounted prices.
Visual Arts.
What is it?
Visual arts include painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, filmmaking, design, crafts and architecture.
How can it work for you?
Families can explore many ways to try out these arts at home before making the commitment to a class or a program. Crafting, painting or drawing at home will give your child the opportunity to explore his or her interest. Many online drawing tutorials are great for fine motor development and can give your child a taste of what instruction in drawing would be like. Purchasing a second-hand camera would give your child the opportunity to explore photography, and many free apps offer a look at filmmaking.
Writing.
What is it?
Writing can include anything from storytelling to songwriting to poetry. The art of the written word covers fiction, nonfiction and everything in between.
How can it work for you?
The best way to explore an interest in writing is to write! “One of my favorite things as a child was to create stories. I would write them, illustrate them and read them to my family,” says Gloria Stephens, Olathe mom. “I want that for my kids—I feel like it opens up a lifetime interest in storytelling.”
Get Arty at Home!
You can share the fun of the arts with your children in many ways at home. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Create an arts and crafts station. Kids feel the safest being creative in spaces that are familiar. A table at home, a small desk or even a corner filled with supplies can give your children a space to let their minds wander free. Depending on the ages of your children, be smart by keeping craft items, like scissors and glue, in a place handy but out of reach. Easy access to crayons, pencils and washable markers can provide hours of inspired crafting.
Make instruments available. The ability to make noise, create songs and learn how sounds are generated helps children grow and develop in multiple ways. You can even find drums and noise-makers at many of Kansas City’s newest outdoor place spaces. Consignments sales, garage sales and swap-and-shop pages are great places to acquire kid-friendly, gently used instruments for your home. And Pinterest is loaded with ideas for how to make them yourself! A bottle full of popcorn seeds can make an excellent shaker!
Play creatively together. Games that let your mind to wander will help artistically inspire the whole family. Charades is an old favorite and allows each player to take a turn planning and performing!
Dress up for the win. Dressing up in costumes gives children the freedom to make believe. Dress up clothes do not need to be fancy or expensive. Even clothes mom and dad no longer want, or hand-me-downs from the grandparents, can be used for exciting, creative play.
Turn up the tunes. Playing music in your home regularly gives children an early education in the beauty of different types of instruments and different voices. Exposing them to a variety also allows them to learn for themselves what fits their own taste. Turning on the music and playing lip-sync games or having a dance party can get the whole family involved in some rhythmic fun!
Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three living in Overland Park.