Benefits of Arts Education for Children in Schools

Hey Everyone, I wanted to share a really good article on the benefits or Arts Education for Children in Schools by Neve Spicer
Website is https://wetheparents.org/

Arts Education in schools is being backed towards a cliff edge.

The problem is that schools are under intense pressure to funnel their dwindling resources into whatever "improves academic results". This is forcing arts educators to demonstrate that learning arts also enhances outcomes in non-arts subjects, like Maths and English.
But here’s the thing:
While it seems that music, art and drama do have positive effects on academic results, it’s often hard to prove this beyond all reasonable doubt. Sadly, this means that Arts Education is being placed on the chopping block.
But hang on just a minute!
Is the purpose of the arts simply to boost academic results? Emphatically, no!
Arts Transform Lives when kids are immersed in the arts they cultivate cognitive abilities, nurture positive character traits, and foster critical thinking. Arts Education expands awareness, increases empathy, and develops a myriad of social skills. And that’s just the start.
This visual guide by We The Parents highlights an incredible 51 ways that learning arts benefits children and young people.
[INFOGRAPHIC]
It’s time to confidently shout about the benefits of Arts Education.
The arts don’t exist as fluffy extras there to “possibly” boost academic outcomes. No, sir. As Holly Donagh of Arts A New Direction puts it:
"When you ask somebody about the impact of the arts on their life and the relevance of the arts within their schooling they rarely talk about the fact that music helped them unlock maths or art helped with their English. They talk about finding a lifelong passion, developing a sense of self and identity, maybe they speak of gaining confidence and a sense of the world outside of their immediate environment. Which is not to say that arts engagement and academic attainment have no relationship, but perhaps it is time to reconsider what that relationship is and how does it work?"
The fact is: arts transform lives. If we are to preserve their rightful place at the heart of our children’s education, then we need to be bold. Let’s unite during Arts in Education Week and beyond. It’s time for all of us who have experienced the profound, positive impact of arts to shout about it from the rooftops. Ideally, loudly and in harmony.
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BIO:
Neve blogs with her husband at WeTheParents where she empowers new moms and he has a blast reviewing kids toys (please, someone remind him he’s a grown up!)