Simple, Ways to Inspire Creativity and Support Your Child’s Development Through Music, Drama, Visual Arts and Literature

In a highly competitive world that places a huge premium on easily measured achievements, creative arts are sometimes considered an extra for which there is not enough time or money. However, experts believe that this thinking is dated since research indicates that the arts are every bit as beneficial to brain development and learning as traditional academics.

The Benefits of Childhood Exposure to the Arts

Enhanced Development, Academic Performance, And Self-Confidence:

Teachers have always intuitively known that the arts increase academic performance, behavior and attendance. And recent brain research confirms that the arts boost memory, intellectual curiosity and self-esteem.

Diverse, Highly Valued Skills That Contribute to Future Success:

There’s often an assumption that a significant investment in the arts is a financial loss. Sure, it’s nice to have an artistic child, but having a successful, employable child has to be the real goal.

Fortunately, it is possible, because exposure to the arts develops the skills that will be highly valued in the future. The evolving workplace rewards creative thinkers who can generate innovative and original ideas in a variety of media.

Better still, in a global world that is becoming more diverse, exposure to the arts helps children appreciate different points of view.

Yet, while the arts open a world of possibilities to a child, they also give him a greater sense of himself. While enjoying artistic experiences, children are stripped of pretenses and self-consciousness. As a result, they develop an awareness of, and appreciation for, their unique individuality.

Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Incorporate the Arts Into Your Child’s Life:

Music:

Listening to, singing, and playing music has an undeniable effect on reasoning, language, math and social behavior. Exposure to music can actually form new, permanent connections in a child’s brain.

Parents can easily play or make music at home, but don’t be afraid to take your child to the symphony. Many offer child-friendly matinees and instrument “petting zoos” that expose a child to different instruments and sounds. It’s fun to watch a child’s reaction when he instinctively gravitates toward an instrument.

Creative Drama:

can include dramatic role-play, story enactment, or viewing live theater. Such exposure enhances a child’s imagination, builds their self-confidence, and improves memory and reading skills. Drama students also learn to comfortably express their emotions in a group setting, a skill that becomes important as they approach adulthood.

At home, encourage pretend play. Many kids instinctively act out their favorite stories. Consider a family talent show to allow even shy children to shine in the safety of their own home. Check out local theatre offerings that are specifically for kids.

The Visual Arts:

Exposure to painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and architecture helps develop a child’s fine motor and critical thinking skills. Artist and teacher Virginia Larrea-LaTourrette sees improvements in her students’ self-discipline, organizational skills, and self-esteem. She says that art can make academic subjects (particularly geometry) more accessible: “Children learn that art is connected with all learning, so even boring subjects can be fun.“

It’s easy to encourage the visual arts at home because kids love to draw, sculpt and build. Allow kids to use an old phone to take photographs and then choose one for framing. Look for family nights at your local museum and ask your child to describe what he likes about his favorite pieces.

Literary Arts:

Exposure to or creating written works, poetry, and narratives encourages self-exploration and intellectual curiosity. Despite geographic or socioeconomic barriers, literature can teach kids to appreciate the opinions and differences of others while also recognizing and honoring their own abilities and backgrounds.

Literary reading is in a steep decline, with the most dramatic drop-off happening in the youngest age groups. Consider reading the classics as a family. Swiss Family Robinson, Through the Looking Glass, Treasure Island, and Little Women are popular choices.

Know that many publishers offer classic stories with age-appropriate text. Another option is poetry written specifically for children. Encourage your kids to write their own stories and poems.

With all of the offerings and choices available, consider incorporating the arts into your family’s daily routine. Even if your child does not become the next Shakespeare, Mozart, or Picasso, these small and easy efforts yield substantial benefits.

Here are some virtual resources to help introduce or enhance your child’s exposure to the creative arts.