In an online PBS Parents post, Grace Hwang Lynch writes about the developmental benefits of art that include motor skills; language development; decision making; visual learning; inventiveness; cultural awareness; and improved academic performance.
We seem to inherently understand the importance of creativity for children’s development, yet arts programs always seem to be the first to undergo budget cuts.
The Washington Post lists the following Top 10 skills children learn from the arts.
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Creativity – Being able to think on your feet, approach tasks from different perspectives and think ‘outside of the box’ will distinguish your child from others. In an arts program, your child will be asked to recite a monologue in 6 different ways, create a painting that represents a memory, or compose a new rhythm to enhance a piece of music. If children have practice thinking creatively, it will come naturally to them now and in their future career.
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Confidence – The skills developed through theater, not only train you how to convincingly deliver a message, but also build the confidence you need to take command of the stage. Theater training gives children practice stepping out of their comfort zone and allows them to make mistakes and learn from them in rehearsal. This process gives children the confidence to perform in front of large audiences.
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Problem Solving – Artistic creations are born through the solving of problems. How do I turn this clay into a sculpture? How do I portray a particular emotion through dance? How will my character react in this situation? Without even realizing it kids that participate in the arts are consistently being challenged to solve problems. All this practice problem solving develops children’s skills in reasoning and understanding. This will help develop important problem-solving skills necessary for success in any career.
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Perseverance – When a child picks up a violin for the first time, she/he knows that playing Bach right away is not an option; however, when that child practices, learns the skills and techniques and doesn’t give up, that Bach concerto is that much closer. In an increasingly competitive world, where people are being asked to continually develop new skills, perseverance is essential to achieving success.
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Focus – The ability to focus is a key skill developed through ensemble work. Keeping a balance between listening and contributing involves a great deal of concentration and focus. It requires each participant to not only think about their role, but how their role contributes to the big picture of what is being created. Recent research has shown that participation in the arts improves children’s abilities to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives.
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Non-Verbal Communication – Through experiences in theater and dance education, children learn to breakdown the mechanics of body language. They experience different ways of moving and how those movements communicate different emotions. They are then coached in performance skills to ensure they are portraying their character effectively to the audience.
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Receiving Constructive Feedback – Receiving constructive feedback about a performance or visual art piece is a regular part of any arts instruction. Children learn that feedback is part of learning and it is not something to be offended by or to be taken personally. It is something helpful. The goal is the improvement of skills and evaluation is incorporated at every step of the process. Each arts discipline has built in parameters to ensure that critique is a valuable experience and greatly contributes to the success of the final piece.
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Collaboration – Most arts disciplines are collaborative in nature. Through the arts, children practice working together, sharing responsibility, and compromising with others to accomplish a common goal. When a child has a part to play in a music ensemble, or a theater or dance production, they begin to understand that their contribution is necessary for the success of the group. Through these experiences children gain confidence and start to learn that their contributions have value even if they don’t have the biggest role.
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Dedication – When kids get to practice following through with artistic endeavors that result in a finished product or performance, they learn to associate dedication with a feeling of accomplishment. They practice developing healthy work habits of being on time for rehearsals and performances, respecting the contributions of others, and putting effort into the success of the final piece. In the performing arts, the reward for dedication is the warm feeling of an audience’s applause that comes rushing over you, making all your efforts worthwhile.
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Accountability – When children practice creating something collaboratively they get used to the idea that their actions affect other people. They learn that when they are not prepared or on-time, that other people suffer. Through the arts, children also learn that it is important to admit that you made a mistake and take responsibility for it. Because mistakes are a regular part of the process of learning in the arts, children begin to see that mistakes happen. We acknowledge them, learn from them and move on.
According to researchers at the University of North Carolina, “happiness and creativity go hand in hand.” “Drawing improves children’s moods by helping to distract them,” find researchers at Brooklyn College and Boston College. And, a study led by a Georgia Institute of Technology scientist finds that, “whether you brood or actively reflect helps determine whether you slump into depression or jump into creativity.”
Yes, creativity helps children develop; however, one does not ever truly graduate from developing. We don’t outgrow the benefits of art and creativity. Check out this interesting Adobe study investigating the value of creativity in education and its impact on career success. The study’s infographic speaks visual volumes.
“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” – Sophia Loren
At Mayerson Academy, we celebrate a different character strength each month. This month, we are highlighting the character strength of creativity. During a recent staff meeting, we were given a toy duck and allowed a few days to turn in a hand drawn rendering. It was an interesting “assignment”—one that made us intentionally pause to do something reflective, focused, tactile, and creative. Later this month we will dress up as the character strength we wish to develop the most. (Think Honest Abe for honesty or a knight for bravery.)
Creativity is a beneficial and therapeutic form of adult “play” and has a timeless quality about it. Have you noticed the prevalence of adult coloring books these day? My hope is for creativity to realize every-increasing value in our school systems, workplaces, and lives so that we can all play, create, and continue developing, regardless of age!
What can you do to today to add some creativity to your life?
