Why do kids need art?

Written by A. Simon, Janurary 2019, MN USA

©️Minnesota Kid’s Yoga Co., LLC - Blog

Art isn’t just a fun thing to do at school to pass time in between curriculum units…

In many public schools around the country, art education is becoming less important. Schools are replacing art programs and funding with stricter curriculum guidelines and standardized tests. Although a child’s art abilities is not an element tested on an ACT, art is still extremely valuable for children to learn and create!

PBS.org stated in their article, “The Importance of Art in Child Development” that art is a fundamental building block for proper child development.

Art helps children gain adequate fine motor skills that are later used in life when writing, typing, and even working on company projects.

Art helps children make efficient decisions. When a child creates artwork, they have to be spontanious, confident, and some-what of a risk taker. In math, a child just needs to know one answer. In reading, and child is mastering someone else’s words. However, in art, there are no rules. Kids learn to be decisive and direct. They learn to accept mistakes and to draw outside the lines with style.

Art allows kids to become inventive. Scientists, architects, engineers, and even doctors, have to be creative and inventive. When faced with problems, adults have to think outside the box in many situations. If we don’t teach kids how to create or invent something from nothing, then we are hindering their abilities to be unique and inspiring adults. The people who change the world, or invent cures, had to think of new ways to invent. Much like artists do.

Finally, art is therapy. In school, kids are forced to do as they are told all day long. They HAVE to write a story, or they HAVE to read a chapter. However, with art work, kids can simply just BE. Often times, when a teacher asigns an art project, or a child begins to doodle in a notebook, it allows them to destress, let go of expectations, and simply let their mind wonder where it wants to go. We all need moments in life where we can “not think” and simply just be.

So in conclusion, art is essential to child development. Art creates humans that are full of life, rich with color, and beautifully unique.