Culture refers to the beliefs, traditions, and creative expressions within a community. Providing children with access to arts education is essential for fostering their understanding of culture from an early age. Concerns have arisen over the years regarding potential cuts to arts programs in schools globally, alongside a growing emphasis on STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). A solution to enhance arts education is to integrate arts into STEM, thus forming STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
Advocating for the incorporation of arts education into school curriculum is crucial for promoting its significance within society. To save time on research, we’ve compiled a list of ten reasons why arts education is important for preschoolers to grasp the concept of culture and develop essential skills.
1. Creativity
Arts provide children with the freedom to express themselves however they choose. In various arts programs, instructors often encourage students to explore different interpretations of existing artworks. For instance, they might suggest painting a Renaissance masterpiece like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa in an expressionist style or reimagining a classical composition such as Beethoven’s Für Elise in a contemporary genre like hip hop.
This approach, known as remixing, teaches children to harness their creativity and think innovatively, pushing boundaries to generate fresh ideas and perspectives.
2. Cultural Awareness
Engaging in artistic experiences enhances critical thinking skills and encourages children to observe the world thoughtfully and attentively. In today’s highly diverse society, an array of messages and perspectives easily reach and impact children, prompting them to critically evaluate and relate these messages to their evolving worldviews.
Through the arts, children gain exposure to various cultures and artistic traditions, allowing them to integrate these insights into their understanding. Simultaneously, they develop an appreciation for contemporary expressions of culture and diverse ways of living.
3. Improved Academic Performance
The arts inherent creativity and with that children learn an essential skill set for success! A report done by PBS states: “A report by Americans for the Arts states that young people who participate regularly in the arts (three hours a day on three days each week through one full year) are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math and science fair, or to win an award for writing an essay or poem, than children who do not participate.”
4. Motor Skills
Various forms of art involve hands-on activities that contribute to the development of children’s motor skills. Engaging in creative processes, such as wielding a paintbrush, scribbling with a crayon, or handling musical instruments, allows children to refine their motor abilities.
According to the National Institute of Health, by around age three, children typically demonstrate the ability to draw a circle and begin using safety scissors. By the age of four, they should be capable of drawing a square and cutting along straight lines.
5. Visual Learning
Through processes of drawing, reading a script, and looking at a sheet of music, children can develop visual-spatial skills.
Dr Kerry Freedman, who is Head of Art and Design Education at the Northern Illinois University states that the world is much more than just text and numbers. Engaging in art creation allows children to interpret, critique, and utilize visual information to make stylistic and aesthetic decisions. Developing visual literacy equips children and young adults with the skills to navigate a world inundated with countless media messages and images. By becoming discerning consumers of media products and other commodities, they gain the ability to make informed choices.
6. Problem Solving
Creative and critical thinking work together in all types of art. When we tackle a problem, both sides of the brain are involved. Exercising both sides helps children learn that there can be more than one solution to a problem and more than one answer to a question.
Elliot Eisner, a Professor of Education at Stanford University states that this concept has a global scale as there are many ways to see and interpret the entire world. This view of the arts leads us away from the fact that art is only for aesthetic and provides entertainment, and parents are also able to understand that art is quite innovative.
7. Decision Making
We’ve already discovered that art enhances problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, both crucial components of decision-making. As young artists, children enjoy the liberty to make choices about their artwork.
Questions like: How can I express sadness in my dance routine? What color should I use for the character’s dress? How should I portray this character? or How can I adjust my tone to convey various emotions? These are all queries artists, including children, may ponder. Learning to make such decisions early can prove beneficial in other areas of their lives. Since this skill is cultivated at a young age, it carries over into adolescence, offering support during times of uncertainty.
8. Perseverance
Engaging in and mastering any skill is a time-consuming endeavor. Many individuals mistakenly believe that activities like drawing, painting, acting, or playing an instrument are easy. However, this misconception is challenged when the adage “practice makes perfect” is considered.
Children may feel frustrated and tempted to quit when they don’t immediately excel at a skill they’re eager to pursue, such as drawing, playing, singing, or dancing. However, through consistent reminders that improvement takes time and practice, they come to understand the value of hard work and perseverance. This mindset is crucial not only in academic settings but also in the workplace, where they’ll continually learn new skills and navigate challenging processes as they progress in their careers.
9. Collaboration
Collaboration is a cornerstone of the arts, as teamwork is essential for achieving greatness. In settings like theater, choir, or band, children must consistently collaborate. They share responsibility for the work and often compromise to achieve a common goal.
Through collaboration, children learn that their contributions affect the overall success of the group. As adults, we recognize the significance of collaboration in various aspects of life, including family dynamics, professional environments, and ongoing education.
10. Accountability
Responsibility plays a significant role in the arts, particularly when tasks are undertaken as a group. When a child assumes responsibility for their part within a team, they learn about accountability and reliance on others. Opting out of participation in a performance or project often highlights the impact of letting down peers and fosters a sense of ownership over outcomes.
In both school and the workforce, accountability is crucial, especially in collaborative efforts or when deadlines loom. Failure to meet obligations can disrupt the entire structure, placing the onus on the individual. While making mistakes is natural, so is accepting responsibility and taking action to rectify them.
How to Find the Best Montessori Preschool for Your Kids in Los Angeles?
Shir-Hashirim Montessori Preschool in Los Angeles stands as the top choice for preschool education, offering a holistic and enriching experience. With a meticulously crafted curriculum, the school prioritizes cognitive development, socialization skills, and emotional regulation. The dedicated staff fosters a nurturing environment, engaging children in interactive activities that stimulate problem-solving, critical thinking, and language development through storytelling and group discussions.
What truly sets Shir-Hashirim Montessori is its commitment to cultivating curiosity and creativity in young minds. Recognizing the significance of fostering a love for learning early on, the preschool integrates various stimulating activities, encouraging exploration and imaginative expression. This approach not only equips children with essential skills but also instills a lifelong passion for education.
Shir-Hashirim’s structured yet inclusive education approach ensures a smooth transition to formal schooling while nurturing a lasting love for learning. With its focus on holistic growth, academic excellence, and genuine dedication to each child’s development, Shir-Hashirim stands out as the epitome of a preschool dedicated to shaping successful and happy futures in Los Angeles.
For Admission Process and Other queries please Contact Shir-Hashirim Montessori
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