The Importance of Art for Children
Allowing children to express themselves with crayons, markers and paints isn't just one way to make a big mess; it is essential to the development of children. The visual arts expand how children view the world and teach them to express themselves.
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Expression
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According to the Dryden Art Department (dryden.k12.ny.us), the visual arts are a safe way for children to express themselves. When children are able to participate in regularly scheduled art classes, it helps develop self-confidence, self-discipline, persistence, and the understanding of trying new things and the development of art skills.
Social Skills
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Young children learn through their senses, experimentation and risk taking. Oxford University Press (oup.com.au) found children use trial and error and risks in learning and using their imagination. Learning through play is essential, and the visual arts have a large role in this development. When children are provided with art lessons that use their hands to touch and manipulate, they are able to understand the concept of hardness, resilience, softness and hardness. Oxford University Press found that children learn important skills through art such as social responsibilities and self-understanding.
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Cultural Understanding
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Visual arts educate children about the art and history of their own culture and others. According to the Dryden Art Department, this promotes tolerance of multicultural concepts and historical perspectives. Without exposure to art of other times and areas of the world, young children wouldn't have the opportunity to learn about and understand other cultures and viewpoints.
Problem Solving
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Problem solving is a large part of art creation. Children use problem solving to figure out placement of objects in an art piece, to understand art techniques and to use art materials. According to the Dryden Art Department, art education assists with strengthening problem solving skills in children, which adds to children's overall school success and achievement. Oxford University Press found schools rich in visual arts increase mathematical capabilities of children.
Imagination
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The human imagination needs visual arts to help develop creativity. Oxford University Press found that the connection between art and play are fundamental and helps build the human imagination. Without the visual arts in the educational system, many children may loose motivation to come to school. For some students, the art classroom is a safe haven and a reason to attend school. The visual arts provide balance for a complete education.
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