It is important to see the benefit of the Arts and just as important to see the synergy that occurs when we connect the Arts, Maths, Science and Technology. Take Da Vinci. He proved that innovation and inventions happen when we build the bridge between Science, Technology and the Arts.
Learning Benefits by Connecting the Arts
1. Get Creative
When children think on their feet and look at problems from various angles and perspectives they are both adaptable but also very critical in their thinking. They do not accept the norm as just acceptable, they push the boundaries and look for better ways. What were once obstacles not become challenges and what were once failures become a chance to look for better solutions. If children practice thinking creatively, it will come naturally to them and become an ingrained habit in their life.
2. Develop Confidence
When children perform and express ideas and behaviours in public settings they learn how to deliver a message in several different forms. Through body language, tone and other non-verbal ways children learn how to express ideas that gives them presence. When children step outside their comfort zone they have the chance to make mistakes and learn from within a safe and supportive environment. The world is much tougher than the classroom and therefore we prepare our children for adulthood and develop them to succeed.
3. Solve Problems
How do I turn these elements into a sculpture? How do I represent emotion through colour? Through participation in visual and performing arts, children are constantly being challenged to solve problems. This process develops children’s skills necessary for success in the future. When we connect the Arts we help children solve problems through a creative lens.
4. Persevere
When a child tries something for the first time, be it a song, an instrument and new sport, they quickly understand that it will take time and effort to hone their skill. As they practice and begin to learn the necessary skills and techniques, so long as they don’t give up, that chance to perform the biggest stage gets closer. Children need to learn that perseverance is essential and success only happens through time, hard work and determination.
5. Focus
The need to concentrate and focus is key in order for children to develop skills and achieve the final product that any learning environment demands. Balancing important behaviours of listening as well as contributing involves both concentration and focus. Each student needs to be not only think about their role, but how their role many contribute to the ultimate goal of the project. Participation in the Arts improved our ability to concentrate and focus in all aspects of our lives.
6. Non-Verbal Communication
As adults we have a range of behaviours that we take for granted, that we learnt naturally. Through experiences available in theatre and dance, children are able to learn to breakdown the mechanics of body language in a make believe environment. Teachers can coach behaviours and performance skills to ensure children represent their character effectively to the audience. This is great preparation for future life skills.
7. Constructive Feedback
Constructive feedback is essential for self improvement. When we get this type of feedback about a performance or piece of art on a daily basis we are developing an essential skill. Children learn that feedback is part of learning and not a negative evaluation process. Children learn to reflect and in time improve and get better at evaluating themselves. In many areas of the Arts critique is key to being able to make the final product the best it can be.
8. Collaborate
The Arts involve children working together. In most projects children work together, share responsibility, and they compromise with each other the achieve a common goal. When children play separate parts in a band, or play different roles in a school production, they understand that their positive contribution is essential for success by the group. We need to connect the Arts to collaborative skilling. Whether or not the child play a large or small role they understand that all parts are important and contribute to the overall success.
9. Practice Dedication
Following through with a particular artistic endeavour is important in order to enjoy and share the final product. Children learn that if they remain dedicated they can finish a project or performance and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. Achieving deadlines, getting to rehearsals on time and making a valuable contribution will bring success. When we hear applause by an audience or recognition by other, that feeling tells us that the dedication was worthwhile.
10. Accountable
Everything we do affects all of those around us. When we work with others, sometimes the actions affect many people. Children quickly learn that they are accountable for what they do and say in very natural ways. Their relationships and the consequences of their behaviour have very real consequences. When we miss a deadline, often other suffer. When we perform poorly, others are affected. Mistakes are natural and normal but we must take responsibility for them. We need to acknowledge them, learn from them and move on.
