Why Children Should Get Into Art !!

• Encourages creativity

• Improves connections in the brain in the default mode network

• Helps to develop visualisation and interpretative skills

• Allows children an avenue for self-expression

• Teaches children that there is more than one right answer (multiple points of view)

• Helps to build confidence because there is no “right answer” in art so children can feel pride in their artistic creations

• Helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills (playing with play doh is also recommended as a pre-cursor for handwriting)

• Trains concentration skills and helps us focus

• It’s therapeutic – it can reduce stress and anxiety and help us get over sadness

• Promotes an upward spiral of flourishing

• Helps us achieve the “flow” state – the mental state of operation where we are fully immersed in an activity with energised focus, complete involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity

It has also been claimed that the arts have a beneficial impact on school and academic performance. Unfortunately, the results from the studies are controversial. What is clear is that for children who are struggling academically, art classes may provide an opportunity for those children to shine and feel pride in their abilities. And, well, anything that helps children develop confidence is a GOOD THING.