Monday, October 13, 2014

What the Arts Teach

This week a friend posted a link to an interesting article listing the top ten skills children learn from the arts.  I read the list and agreed totally.  

The skills listed are:

Creativity

Confidence

Problem Solving

Perseverance

Focus

Non-Verbal Communication

Receiving Constructive Feedback

Collaboration

Dedication

Accountability

What a great list!  All of these life skills packed into cutting and glueing paper, splashing paint and squishing clay. Don't forget how much fun this is for kids either.

The best part is that it don't have to stop with children and it doesn't stop with children.  I've witnessed the light in people's eyes during a class when "they get it".....meaning that they have solved some art problem or had a meaningful critique.  I've seen people hone in on their work and how the successful completion of a work gives the maker confidence to make another piece or put their work out for others to enjoy by entering a show or having an exhibition. 

I could give examples of how artists demonstrate all the listed skills in order to pursue their passion and live their lives.  Whether they learned these skills in art class or not these are skills that can be applied to every aspect of life.  Remember this the next time your school board suggest the cutting of art and music classes  as a way to lower costs.  Speak up for quality education and quality of life.  There are benefits far beyond standardized tests.


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