Much has been said about the benefits of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programming for children, but the addition of art into the fold (STEAM) has highlighted art’s important connection to education and child development.
Arts-based activities can have a great impact on a child’s development, fostering skills like imagination, communication and creative problem solving and providing a constructive outlet for emotions. In high school, art can help set students up for success in college and early adulthood.
Here are some key areas the arts target in child development at each age:
Early Childhood
- Helps develop cognitive skills
- Strengthens parent-child attachments
- Encourages prosocial behavior
- Visual art helps infants/toddlers develop fine motor skills and engages their senses.
Kindergarten & Elementary School
- Improves interpersonal skills
- Lower rates of behavioral issues
- Art activities are linked to higher scores in reading, math and science.
- Fosters curiosity about other cultures and perspectives
Middle School
- Arts extracurriculars can help students make new friends and form social groups.
- Lowers stress and boosts self-confidence
- Group art projects can foster teamwork skills.
- Art skills can be applied to other subjects.
High School
- Positive relationship between number of arts credits and likelihood of diploma
- Fosters critical thinking skills and creative problem- solving abilities
- Creative skills can aid in job searching.
