In recent years, the educational system has taken a turn and put a larger emphasis on different aspects of a student’s educational journey. This kind of refocus has happened in the past and is expected.
In the early years of education, the focus was on foundational skills – reading, writing, and arithmetic. Just a few decades ago, there was a bigger focus on home-based and agricultural skills. The emphasis and focus of the educational system ebbs and flows with the needs of society.
Once again the focus has shifted. Now a child’s education is focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – as known as STEM. And you can see this focus everywhere.
Many designers, manufacturers, and marketing teams have tried to capitalize on this recent trend in education. Shelves in almost every store are lined with crafts, books, and toys that boast a STEM sticker.
The STEM subjects are great and incredibly necessary in a student’s educational journey. Many careers and workplaces want incoming applicants to be well-versed in these areas. But STEM isn’t and shouldn’t be the only piece of learning.
In fact, recent studies have found that incorporating the arts into a kid’s daily routine and schooling is very important. It can be difficult to accomplish, but it’s worth the trouble. Making just a few changes to your daily or weekly schedule can have big benefits.
And it doesn’t have to be difficult. There are creative ways to incorporate the arts and it will pay dividends – including preparation for and acceptance into college. Then it’s just about preparing financially for college, like starting a Gerber Life College Plan.
What are the arts?
The term “art” can be misleading. Many people who hear “art” think of drawing and painting. While these disciples are included in the world of the arts, they aren’t the only ones.
The arts are a world of diversity and beauty. The arts include all media and visual arts – dance, music, theater, literature, and design. These, and other forms of art, teach and encourage students to use different parts of their mind.
It’s not just about looking at a well painted picture or a fun piece of music. The arts help students, and people in general, use their imagination and creativity to explore and process the world around them.
Using and including the arts in a more consistent routine helps develop these skills and encourage students to explore and express themselves. It’s just one very necessary part of a well-rounded and well-balanced educational experience.
How to Incorporate the Arts Into Your Daily Routine
It’s clear that the arts are important, but how do you supplement that artistic exposure? How do parents invest time and energy into the arts?
Like a good bedtime routine for a toddler, parents and children can benefit from a consistent routine that infuses the arts into different parts of the day. These efforts don’t need to disrupt any established routines either. It can be as simple as drawing a picture or listening to a different kind of music.
#1 – Visit Local Art Exhibits and Performances
Start simple. Find a local art gallery or exhibit and take your kids. It doesn’t have to be fancy or overly planned. Just spent time exploring the exhibits and talking about what you see. There are often volunteers or paid employees around an exhibit to answer questions or add commentary.
You can also visit a local performance. Many areas have local theaters or Shakespeare in the park type offerings that can be an easy entry into the world of performance art. Plus, you can find local classes and groups, like the Twelve Tones music school, that help children learn new skills and get involved.
#2 – Add New Genres of Music to Your Repertoire
Many people listen to music during their daily commute, and it’s a great time to add in a little art. Try listening to a new genre of music on your way to school or sports practice. Add in a little Beethoven or Bach.
After listening, have a conversation about what you heard. What did you and your child like or not like about the piece? Were there instruments they recognized? How did the music change or make them feel?
#3 – View and Study Art Together
You can also view and study art by watching documentaries and videos on different artists or artistic movements. Swap out a trending movie for one of these videos and spend your next movie night learning and studying together.
#4 – Be Enthusiastic and Encouraging
The best and most important way to incorporate the arts into your daily life and routine is to be enthusiastic and encouraging. If you show an interest and a curiosity for studying the arts, it can help encourage your children, too.
Ask questions. Tell your children you want to share something new with them. If they have an arts program at school, encourage them to take a chance and try it out. Celebrating even a slight interest in your child can be the boost of confidence they need to dive deeper.
The most important thing to remember is you do not have to be an expert in any art related field to expose your children to these things. It’s all about learning alongside your children, showing them that it’s okay to be new and to have questions.
It’s just about getting out there and seeing what the world of art has and can offer.
Benefits of Incorporating the Arts into Your Daily Schedule
Exploring the world of the arts is fun and exciting in and of itself, but there are also dozens of benefits to be reaped. The world of art doesn’t just help children learn how to draw or paint, it can also teach valuable lessons.
Some of the most timeless lessons can be taught through art. Things like “practice makes perfect” and “small differences can have a big impact” can be used and explored through the arts. And those lessons can and will be used in the wider world.
On top of that, art can improve student motivation, attitudes, and even attendance. There are dozens of studies that show students who are involved in the arts have seen an increase in overall success – both inside and outside of the classroom.
College Acceptance
This kind of improved success can and does lead to better college acceptance and success rates. While there are dozens of studies about the benefits of the arts, one is very promising. Students who study music record better reading and cognitive development, plus higher verbal SAT scores.
The same study shows students who spend time studying the visual arts can see improvements in their reading, writing, and problem-solving skills. All of this – the test scores and improved skills – is attractive to colleges and translates directly to college success rates.
Simply put, spending time exploring the world of art means better long-term success.
Creative Ways to Prepare for the Cost of College
With higher test scores, parents will need to be financially prepared for their children’s time in college, especially if their child is going to study out-of-state. Saving for such a hefty cost can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a lot of different savings options for parents wanting to get a leg up on the financial responsibility of college.
Parents can look into investments like the Gerber Life College Plan. This savings plan is actually a life insurance policy for your children, but it protects so much more than just their educational future. It’s one of the best ways to set your child up for future success.
It’s time to take back the arts. The world of art is no longer something to fear or run from, it’s a world overflowing with excitement and benefits. Take just a few minutes of your day to explore a new aspect of the world of art and see the improvements
Laura Gunn writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, ExpertInsuranceReviews.com. She is a “retired” teacher and a homeschool mom who believes in the power and importance of the arts.