Many of us know that creativity is important in a child's life. However beyond this, why is art important?
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Physiologically, the human brain consists of two parts, the left and the right hemisphere.
The left-brain is used in logical thinking and analytical processes. This part of the brain is trained when working with math, reading and science.
The right brain is used in emotional perception, intuition and creativity. It is the right brain that is mainly used in creative endeavours, such as making art.
Aside from the physiological benefits, the New York Centre for Arts Education lists other benefits of exposing children to art:
- Your child learns to think creatively, with an open mind.
- To observe and describe, analyse and interpret.
- Express feelings, with or without words.
- Problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills, dance, music, theatre and art-making skills, language and vocabulary of the arts.
- Multiple points of view.
- School can be fun - playing can be learning.
- Collaborate with other children and with adults.
- Arts introduce children to different cultures.
- Your child can blossom and excel in the arts. Even with physical, emotional or learning challenges, they experience success in the arts.
- Arts build confidence. Because there is not just one right way to make art, every child can feel pride in his or her original artistic creations.
- Arts build community. Schools with a variety of differences can celebrate the arts as one community.
Fatima Panju is a life coach with Chrysalis Coaching. Check out chrysaliscoaching.net.au.
