Children who express themselves through the art of theater are more easily able to express themselves in everyday life. They are more confident, more creative, and more eager to learn. They are capable of better understanding their peers and care about the emotions of others.
These advantages are not just seen in extracurricular activities, but also in school. Children who participate in theater also enjoy a boost in literacy, attention spans, and can brainstorm with the best (a trait welcomed in today’s economy).
Many kids see writing as a chore; homework to be completed and forgotten. But writing can open many doors for a child. She will learn new words and become more eloquent. Reading and writing both teach grammar and syntax, both of which will be useful in higher education and the job market years later. A child learns personal expression with each character designed, and the story which unfolds can be an emotional outlet, exciting and even uplifting.
Music and the arts sometimes fall by the wayside in favor of STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Instead of competing for your child’s education, music can actually be used as an accomplice for better understanding STEM fields of study. Research shows that musically-minded children have better test scores, focus better, and are self-disciplined. Learning an instrument involves refining one’s hand-eye coordination and reading comprehension. All of these traits serve to advance a child when she uses them in conjunction with her education.
Sustainable arts (like ceramics, quilting, and carpentry) are more than art -- they are the backbone of civilization. Learning one of these crafts or trades allows your child to experience a piece of history while also expanding her understanding of society and unleashing her creativity. Successful crafts build self-esteem, while mistakes reinforce patience and learning to take constructive criticism from others. A child learns perseverance, focus, and dedication to seeing a project to the end.
Visual arts result in the production of emotion and critical-thinking skills. Where you may see brush strokes on a canvas, or a photograph of a bug on a leaf, a child has witnessed the effort put into creating his picture, and takes pride in his work. Even physically-, emotionally-, or learning-challenged children can enjoy success with their art and be proud of their accomplishments. Such art requires peer feedback, and promotes social skills. At times, when the child is stressed or upset, visual art can be therapeutic.
Dance goes beyond the Waltz or Tango. It is a form of self-expression, a positive outlet for emotions otherwise unable to be conveyed. Learning dance requires attention to detail and following direction. Though a child may feel he is simply ‘playing around’, he is using various muscle groups to become physically fit. Types of dance are found all over the world, and when your child is introduced to other cultural dances, he is also introduced to another culture.