Do you know the benefits of an art education?

As an elementary art teacher, I have observed how visual art can help students with self-regulation and improve concentration. I have witnessed so many students who have self-limiting beliefs about their abilities overcome those fears and thoughts to achieve things they did not think possible. Visual art helps students so much with perseverance, resiliency, and intrinsic motivation. At times, students may try to give up and I implement tough love more often than they are accustomed to, but I also have seen how they learn and grow when they keep trying and rely on themselves. It is an amazing and rewarding transformation to see throughout the course of each school year.

Art education can enrich and improve students’ lives in many ways. An art education is more likely to help students academically. According to the University of Florida, “Recent research published in npj Science of Learning found that students aged 14-16 who participated in at least two semester-length arts workshops achieved higher grades in language arts and math, along with overall improvements in GPA.”

In fact, introducing children to creative expression as early as possible will benefit them greatly. According to the University of Florida, “Imaginative activities for young learners can lead to better skills in social interactions and emotional regulation.” K-12 art programs can help students with problem-solving skills by expanding their creativity and way of thinking. They learn new ways to communicate ideas as well as overcome challenges.

For a more in-depth understanding of the benefits of art education, I recommend reading “The Importance of Art Education in the Classroom”. I have also provided some free resources to help expand your child’s thinking and creativity. It’s a great place to start, especially if you want to hone their creativity (or yours) but you just don’t know where to start!