There is a great need to safeguard arts and creativity as
key tenets of the educational experience. Not only do the arts help students
cope with the stresses of the current economic climate, but they may also be
given even less time when after-school activities are cancelled. They also need
to make up lost ground in the fundamentals.
Learning through the arts fosters the kind of risk-taking,
high-achieving, global thinkers we so need in the world today. Your gifted
youngster can develop into a worldly thinker who draws meaningful connections
between art and the real world with your help. The ability to think creatively
in the future is fostered in this way.
1. Let creativity Flow
As a rule, children have a lot of thoughts they would like
to share through their artwork. Gifted children, in particular, may not take
well to being told what to do; rather than "working," they may choose
to follow their inspiration. Your kid may not have much leeway to act on whims
at school, so permit them to do so at home.
It would be best if you were your child's partner in making
their dream a reality. Provide tracing paper, writing instruments, and pencils,
but encourage them to take the reins to create their cartoon book using a3 coloured paper. They'll make it clear whether they need advice or
assistance.
2. Visit an art center with your kid
Time your visit for off-hours to avoid the crush of other
tourists. And if you want to see a Monet without feeling rushed, it's best to
go on a free day.
Pick something like a Calder mobile or a Chihuly glasswork
that would appeal to a young visitor. Inquire into their thoughts: They may
have strong preferences at this age, such as whether to visit a museum
dedicated to cartoon art or a venue hosting a traveling anime exhibition. If
your kid is interested in drawing, grab some paper and utensils and encourage
them to draw anything that piques their attention.
3. Form an Arts Council
Your students will be more invested in their education and
your efforts to promote the arts if you form a student arts council. They can
help lead assemblies, implement school-wide art projects, plan an arts week or
event, and offer suggestions and criticism on your school's existing art programs.
Gather your students for an assembly to describe the arts
council concept and discuss application requirements and desired student
characteristics. Please give them applications that solicit information about
their experience and interests so that they might be selected as members.
4. Conduct the necessary consultations
Before promoting the arts, it is important to get feedback
from students, parents, and teachers about your school's current state of arts
education. Gather a small group of students for an in-depth discussion on their
experiences and perspectives on art. In the fifth bullet point, we offer some
questions to consider asking.
Besides the small group discussion, organize a class forum
where everyone can weigh in. In this case, we'll focus on the following issues:
Define the arts, please. In your opinion, why is it crucial that we study these
topics in class? How do we raise young people's consciousness about the value
of the arts?
Gather initial data by having employees complete a survey
(see point 5 for suggested questions). Distribute a survey to guardians and
parents to get their input as well. You can also ask your parents if they have
any art expertise they might share with the classroom and learn more about
their children's extracurricular arts involvement. Some parents may be able to
teach their children a new creative skill or help fund arts classes by
leveraging their professional networks.
5. Take your time - Allow for mistakes to happen
When things don't go as planned, that's when you find
yourself doing your best creative work. So, motivate your kid to attempt new
activities and reassure them that it's okay to fail sometimes. Fear of making
mistakes might make children overly cautious about their work and prevent them
from trying new things.
Your youngster may be sensitive to criticism or hungry for
praise depending on whether they are a normal elementary school dabbler or a
budding artist. A perfectionist needs to be reminded that discovery is the
goal.
Instead of answering your child's question with a simple
"Yes" or "No," try responding with "Do you like it,
honey?" and watch where the conversation goes. In these cases, reassuring
the child that their approval is the ultimate goal is crucial.
Final Thoughts
Kids need exposure to the arts as much as they need fresh
air and sunshine for healthy growth and development. Children learn the
fundamental process of discovery, imagination, originality, problem-solving,
thinking, and creation through participation in the arts. The most influential
educator in your child's life is you, the parent. You'll be laying the
groundwork for a lifetime of healthy thought with the talks you have with your
kid.
