What Children Learn in Art Class & Why it’s Important?
by Lauren Modery
To many, art class and art programs might not seem like important areas of study for students, but the health benefits of art are indisputable.
Studies suggest that art improves depression, anxiety, mental health, trauma, and low self-esteem. In addition, art teaches students motor and cognitive skills, spatial awareness, teamwork, and empathy. It hones creativity and independence. It is a study where children often learn about the history and different cultures.
According to the Brookings Institution, “Arts participation is related to behaviors that contribute to the health of civil society, such as increased civic engagement, greater social tolerance, and reductions in other-regarding behavior.”
In other words: Art is not only great for children—it’s great for society.
With the rising number of young people suffering from mental health disorders, there’s no better time to promote arts education.
In this post, we’ll go over the myriad of skills young people learn in art class, and why each skill is beneficial.
Drawing: Drawing with a pencil or crayon on paper is one of the earliest arts skills a child will develop. Starting in pre-K or kindergarten, children will learn how to develop motor skills and express their emotions through drawing. This is particularly beneficial if their vocabulary is not yet strong. As a child progresses in their drawing abilities, it’s one of the many indicators in how the child is progressing developmentally. Most children will progress from squiggly lines to shapes to actual tangible objects and figures. As the child advances in grades, they will learn to draw more defined objects, and most likely work on a self-portrait or 3D still life.
Painting: Like drawing, painting is an excellent way for young children to express themselves, learn motor and cognitive skills and develop self-confidence. It is with painting that children learn about colors and how mixing colors create new colors. For the youngest of students, finger paint is used. For older students, the art teacher might expand into watercolors. Painting is a great way for children to learn to focus, relieve their stresses and activate their creative brain.
Crafting: Crafting can come in many forms, whether it’s making paper reindeer to hang over the fireplace during the holidays or a cute, little caterpillar made out of pom poms. Children can learn to make mosaics using small objects or paper, or create felt figurines to play with at home. Crafting is where children learn to build with their hands and problem solve. Just like drawing and painting, crafting is an excellent way for children to tell stories and use their imagination.
Modeling: At various points in a child’s arts education, they will work with clay or another form of three-dimensional material such as plaster or wax. For young children, clay art might start with non-toxic materials such as Play-Doh, and they’ll learn to make objects such as animals or people. As they advance, the student may learn to use ceramic clay and ultimately have their art project finished in a kiln. Like crafting, modeling teaches students to use their hands and think about how pieces fit together.
Repurposing: Maybe you remember making a little ladybug or beautiful butterfly out of a toilet paper roll. Or making photo frames out of discarded popsicle sticks. Or creating a pet rock. During elementary school, students learn how to take everyday objects and turn them into new, exciting objects. In seeing the usefulness in discarded objects, children learn to waste less and recycle more.
Art is a useful tool in helping our children develop the skills they need to become confident, happy and healthy adults.
