According to author Hannah Hudson in her article, How Art Class Can Benefit the Brain in a Big Way, “In recent years, as testing pressures have increased and a greater emphasis has been placed on core curriculum like reading and math, there’s been a sideline conversation about the role of the arts in K–12 education and their overall value in preparing students for the future.”
And in fact, many schools across the country have seen their arts programs trimmed or disappear altogether! But, is this the right decision?
Erroneously considered an “extra” in education, The Arts are actually a crucial component in the development of higher order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and problem-finding.
According to First Lady Michelle Obama, a tireless proponent of The Arts, “Learning through The Arts reinforces critical academic skills in reading, language arts, and math, and provides students with the skills to creatively solve problems.”
All of these skills are directly transferable to other school subjects – from math, to physics, to language learning — creating consistently more successful students.
“Studies show that art-centered schools outscore non-art-centered schools in academic achievement scores,” says Lynda Resnick of the Huffington Post. “Art education can actually help the brain to rewire itself, to make stronger and more plentiful neural connections, and can help build memory skills. Self-discipline, intuition, reasoning, imagination, and dexterity are just a few of the other benefits of an art-filled education, especially for primary school students.”
From music, to drama, to graphic design, The Arts can also provide students with a “language” that all people can understand – cutting across racial, cultural, social, educational, and economic barriers.
But, what’s a parent to do if their child’s school has already cut The Arts from its curriculum?
For a 1-on-1, creative experience, Back to Basics offers exceptional art instruction in all mediums for children of all ages (as well as for adults!), plus music, art appreciation, drama and photography. To learn more about 1-on-1 art at Back to Basics, call 302-594-0754.
Celebrating 30 years of excellence in education! Back to Basics Learning Dynamics is the undisputed leader in 1-on-1 tutoring in Nationwide and southeastern Pennsylvania for over 60 subjects. The company offers a unique Department of Education-approved 1-on-1 K-12 Private School in Wilmington, Nationwide and a Nationwide Business and Trade School for ages 16 and older. In addition, the company offers translating and interpreting in 16 languages throughout Nationwide. Back to Basics is the winner of numerous awards for academic and business excellence including the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
