A Brief, Off-The-Dome Argument for the Arts
The arts are being cut in our public schools, and this is a great crime against a child’s educational life. Many public schools in the United States are limiting the amount of time that children are in music or visual arts classes while others are cutting them from their curriculum entirely. The arts should not be cut from a school’s curriculum; in fact, they should be emphasized more than they are at present. Children should be allowed ample time during the day to learn about the arts and to constructively express themselves through the arts. Children have an inherent need to move and create. This need can be satisfied by dance, theater, music, and visual art. Furthermore, any educator worth their pay is aware of the multiple intelligences and knows that arts education gives children an increased capacity for learning because it challenges them to expand their learning styles. In other words, children could likely perform better academically if they are allowed to take art classes. Arts education has also been associated with superior brain development by many researchers. For example, music requires a person to use both sides of their brain simultaneously. They also tend to develop stronger practical life skills by enhancing their memory, understanding, and symbolic reasoning. Arts education can also help children find a vision for their lives and careers. They may discover that they are meant to be a painter, musician, dancer, or actor and will find their outlet for creativity and expression. Why would we want to deprive a child of their true joy and ultimate purpose? As educators, we should aim to challenge children in every discipline and allow them to pursue their passion and healthy outlets for expression. Arts education should be a large part of every school’s curriculum.