By Eliana Miller
The importance of art in education is one that should not be overlooked. Throughout history, art has been a major subject of expression. Even now, a large percentage of adults alone use art as a form of expression! According to artsy.net, “Over 53% of American adults create or perform art.” Art can also teach us the importance of different problems and solutions. All books we read illuminate self expression and creativity, and every movie, TV show, and play is through self expression.
Music
Music is an important part of everyday life. Whether you are listening to upbeat music to lift your mood or Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit, music is a huge part of everyone’s lives. Not only that, but music teaches kids everyday. Think of the ABC’s song or Schoolhouse Rock. Music is a great way of teaching younger and older kids. It helps us memorize things with ease along with making learning fun.
Drama
Drama is a huge part of history. Whether you are looking at Shakespeare or musical theater throughout the years, drama tells us stories. This even goes as far back as Ancient Greece and the Renaissance. Drama also helps build kid’s social skills including fun, educational, and interactive games, while giving kids time to learn about career paths like an actor, a film director, or even being part of the stage crew with a musical theater team. Drama is an excellent opportunity to be social and find a path in life, allowing kids to be themselves.
Art and Drawing
Art and drawing allows for learning extreme observation skills ,along with patience. Some amazing career choices can also follow such as architecture and blueprint making. Just like the rest of the arts, drawing and art is an amazing form of self expression. Giving kids ways to let out their emotions. In an interview with Ms.Burmark, she said, “Arts are important because they allow students to express themselves and they provide awareness for different perspectives. Some students need a place to express themselves as individuals. This can serve as a safe space and a mental health outlet. The arts are also a place for students to be exposed to different perspectives, cultures, personalities, and ways to express themselves. It is a good place to learn that it’s okay to fail as long as you learn something from it and try it another way. There is no “wrong way” to express yourself as long as you are being respectful and doing it from a genuine place.”
Writing
Writing is important for so many different reasons—whether you need to persuade someone on a certain subject or write an extremely important essay for college. This also goes along with writing resumes to apply for jobs. If you know how to write, it also makes it easier for you to read and understand things thoroughly. Writing creatively is also a huge aspect of self expression. Another option is joining a journalism team, which can connect students with others interested in the same subjects and hobbies.
Dance
Dance is a great way to exercise and an amazing form of physical exercise. Dance is not easy and takes skill just like everything else on this list. Dancing helps people gain stamina, working out, and becoming flexible—all are plausible outcomes in the world of dance.
Should the Arts be Mandatory?
Arts in school should not be a debate. With more access to the arts, more students will want to come to school and have more chances to explore self expression.
In an interview with Ms. Burmark, she stated, “I think at least exposure or appreciation of the arts should be mandatory.” When asked why she said that, she responded, “it’s important for students to be able to acknowledge and understand to some degree ways people express themselves.” Ms.Burmark also said, “The arts often show multiple perspectives and feelings, not just facts or headlines. It allows students to develop empathy and connection to people(s) they might not think they have anything in common with.”
This perspective shows that the arts are an important part of a student’s education. Ms. Chu, another art teacher, also had comments on the arts in school: “I believe at least a year in the arts is important.” Ms.Chu also added, “The arts help return the balance in the brain. If you’re allowing yourself to tap into the arts it helps in other areas. Pictures help people learn.”
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