How Can I Support My Child's Art Education?
Quick Tips for Parents
The
majority of American adults believe that arts education is very
important to the development of today’s children—according to a recent
survey by Americans for the Arts, the national organization for
advancing the arts in America. In fact, 76 percent of adults agree that
arts education is important enough to get personally involved, but
two-thirds of respondents don’t know how.
Here
are a few quick tips for parents on how to become involved in arts
education, based on research findings from Americans for the Arts:
- Provide a creative zone stocked with art supplies?Encourage spontaneous creative expression in an area that can stand up to spills or stray marker strokes.
- Focus on the process, not the outcome?The performance or end result is not important; it’s the journey that matters.
- Reserve judgment?The arts allow children to express themselves in ways that are uniquely theirs and don’t require a right or wrong approach.
- Demonstrate by example?Seek out age-appropriate venues and performances that make the experience relevant and enjoyable.
- Build confidence?The
arts offer infinite possibilities and challenges as children think
through the creation process, and ultimately build problem-solving
skills and confidence.
- Rhyme, sing, read and role-play?Language-rich activities make building prereading skills fun.
- Encourage scribbling?Squiggles
are more than just artistic expression, they’re an important precursor
to writing that help toddlers develop fine motor skills.
- Play music, sing, and dance?Engage all of the senses to build listening skills, cultivate memory development, and encourage expressive movement.
- Get the facts?Ask questions at your preschool to learn how arts education programs are funded and how funds are being used.
- Voice your opinion?Arts
education programs are often enhanced or implemented because of
parental insistence. Be vocal and make arts advocacy a habit.