The Importance of Art in Education

School is more than just reading, writing and arithmetic- the foundations of life lessons are curated in the classroom. At one point in time, art was considered a luxury, not a necessity, in schools. Sometimes, art education was cut from curriculums to ensure there was more math, writing, and testing. With endless budgets revamps and concerns about raising test scores, art can easily be forgotten in the curriculum. However, more educators and decision makers are realizing the importance of art education and it is being included in many curriculums and classrooms for beneficial reasons as listed below. Many of the benefits of art in education help kids learn and develop characteristics that will support them as adults.

1. Art helps young children identify their world. One of the first things young learners learn is their colors. They learn the names of colors, objects of that color, and even how to make that color. Color is an identifying factor for many young learners and is the beginning of developing schemas that will help them understand their world.

2. Making art helps children learn creative problem solving and critical thinking skills. Art teaches patience and attention to detail, allowing learners to take their time and be thorough in their art creations. Learning how basic shapes and colors go together to create a new concept, can also be understood while creating art.

3. Fine motor skills can be a focus, especially for early creators. Holding a paintbrush or pencil, using scissors, and even holding a crayon are techniques that require fine motor skills that can be strengthened during creative art.

4. Art resonates with learners of different levels. It can help present information that may have otherwise been difficult for the child to understand, and it can challenge students to “think outside the box”.

5. Kids feel good about their work and the more encouragement and access to art they receive, the more they will keep doing it. Confidence is important as it generalizes and allows students to try new things in all areas of life, and gain independence.

6. With confidence comes accountability. Students will make mistakes while making art, but that allows them to learn how to fix their mistakes. Making mistakes, accepting them, and fixing them are important lessons that will become perseverance and this can continue into adulthood.

Art Enrichment at Imagine
Here at Imagine, we have qualified educators ready to make an impact on your child and help him navigate his way through the world. With a mix of educational programs and enrichment classes, your child will build a solid foundation for their educational future, while boosting creativity, molding talents, finding passions, and supporting development.

The Imagine Art Enrichment Program has something for learners of all ages! From infant to school age, this program encourages creative expression in a learning environment designed for your child to explore and create. The art studio provides the tools and materials necessary to extend concepts and skills learned in their homeroom to projects that allow for originality, self-expression, and exploration.