The Tribune

It is said that participation in the arts improves a child’s ability to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives. For the many naysayers, research has proven that children who have a higher than average exposure to art and the media possess some qualities others do not. In addition to their artistic talent, I have observed that they usually read and write better than their peers.

My belief is that their exposure to art affects other aspects of their learning. This concept led me to a discussion last week with an artist, who works with children in public schools, that outlined the benefits of arts education - both inside and outside schools.

I submit that parents should expand their definition of art. If you are a baker or a cook; if you like to arrange flowers; if you enjoy the harmonious arrangement of objects in your home, you are an artist.

These expressions of creativity are as legitimate and valuable as those of painters and the other people we call ‘artists’. If you are a scientist and enjoy inventing and experimenting, you bring an artistic sensibility to your work, and can include yourself in the definition of an artist.

Art is a delightful way through which you can record your child’s growth as well. Just as you will notice that writing and reading improves with age, so does artwork.

I am a firm believer that the role of parents and teachers is to expose children to a variety of materials so that they can create art. Once the variety is offered, children will then have a choice as to whether they want to use the materials or not. But without the exposure, there is no choice.

Creating art is a fine way for children to make choices and solve problems. Every step involves making a decision: What colour to use, how to make a line, what size to make something. With every choice the object becomes more and more their own.

Problem solving

Artistic creations are born through the solving of problems. How do I turn this clay into a sculpture? How do I portray a particular emotion through dance? How will my character react in this situation? Without even realising it, children that participate in the arts are consistently being challenged to solve problems.

Problem solving develops children’s skills in reasoning and understanding. This will help develop important problem-solving skills necessary for success in any career.

Sadly, it is often typical that those who fund school programmes view the visual and performing arts as ‘frills’ initiatives that can be added only when there is enough money for them. They are the first to be cut if there is a budget crisis.

Focus

The ability to focus is a key skill developed through ensemble work. Keeping a balance between listening and contributing involves a great deal of concentration and focus. It requires each participant to not only think about their role, but how their role contributes to the big picture of what is being created.

Non-Verbal Communication

Through experiences in theatre and dance education, children learn to break down the mechanics of body language. They experience different ways of moving, and how those movements communicate different emotions. They are then coached in performance skills to ensure they are portraying their character effectively to the audience.

Receiving Constructive Feedback

Receiving constructive feedback about a performance or visual art piece is a regular part of any arts instruction. Children learn that feedback is part of learning, and it is not something to be offended by or taken personally. It is something helpful.

The goal is the improvement of skills and evaluation, which is incorporated at every step of the process. Each art discipline has to be built in parameters to ensure that critique is a valuable experience, and greatly contributes to the success of the final piece.

Everyone has an imagination. However, art will take it a step further. Through art, children create something that, until that point, was only imagined. Thus, they create visual manifestations of abstract ideas.

There is little doubt that parents can create an harmonious balance in their children’s lives when they make provisions for the arts. Here are ideas to incorporate them into your home life:

• When you read to your children, be dramatic. Act out stories. Encourage them to create their own stories to act out for you.

• While the music is playing at home, dance together. Body movement is fun and good exercise.

• Sing together, and teach your children your favourite songs. Many of them allow for verses that can be made up, with an endless and hilarious number of rhymes added to it.

• Look for arts programmes after school, on weekends and during vacations. Summer camps based on the arts are a good start.

• Create a scrapbook together. Put photos, memorabilia, drawings and captions together creatively. In doing so, you will not only have a shared experience but a memory that will last for many years.

Children who may be having difficulties in other parts of their school curriculum may find an expressive outlet through art. It is a way to uncover talent that may not be seen otherwise, and remember that the most important ingredient in the recipe is actually your interest.

Be there to appreciate and encourage during every step of the creative process. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories as opposed to regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

NB: The columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT THE COLUMNIST: Deidre Marie Bastian is a professionally trained graphic designer/marketing co-ordinator with qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova South Eastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.