Expert Contributor
Painting a brighter future – The importance of providing children with Art in school By Maria Ward, Principal, St. Isidore School
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ave you ever noticed the joy and wonder on a child’s face when they are creating? Whether immersed in drawing, painting or sculpting, the child is free to imagine, explore and grow. As an educator, my job is to provide children with a wellrounded education while preparing them for an everchanging world. More and more information shows how imperative arts integration in schools is in developing well-prepared learners and leaders. Schools across the country have recently changed the emphasis from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), to reflect the importance of educating the whole child. Giving children an outlet to create and explore through art strengthens their proficiency in a multitude of academic subjects.
As children manipulate a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve. Experimenting with a variety of materials allows them to play around with science. The basic concepts of math are involved in counting colors, beads, feathers and other art supplies. Most importantly, art boosts a child’s confidence, helping them to think more positively about themselves. And art is not just for younger students. For older students, art is an outlet for self-expression and individuality. It provides an opportunity to connect with others while demonstrating their skill set. It sharpens critical thinking as well as other intellectual skills, assisting students with college readiness and lifelong learning. When students graduate college and are looking for their first job, creativity is one of the top skills that sets an individual apart from other candidates. Having the ability to think imaginatively and bring fresh ideas to the table is essential to innovation and progress. However, best of all, art is fun! Numerous studies have shown that pressure on today’s youth is more prevalent than ever. Many children are over scheduled, stressed and suffering from anxiety and depression. Taking time for artistic expression, whether through painting, music or drama, can serve as an outlet that allows students the freedom to relax and reconnect with their emotions. As we ready our children for the future, let us remember that filling their “educational toolbox” with skills and best practices should include a paintbrush. Let us encourage our children to build a colorful life filled with creativity, discovery, and fun.
30
MARCH 2020
