In the past few years, I have seen a huge decline in art programs in schools. Great for me, since it brings students to my studio in Encino, but sad because children are not getting the education in school and parents have to look elsewhere.
Why is art education important?
Well, simply because it makes our kids smarter and gives them the ability to think. Children who are exposed to an art education possess a 23% higher capacity for higher thinking capacity than those who are not. They are more tenacious, more original and more confident than students not exposed to the arts. Here's the whole article citing the percentages - http://thegluckmethod.com.
I've seen this in my own studio recently. I had a young girl, around 11, who is a very sweet student. She's just started sketching and I was noticing she was very tentative and very cautious as she approached this new level. In talking with her, she admitted to me that she didn't think she ever did anything well. I was surprised as she has always been a great student. I encouraged her as she continued and tried to point out to her the tings that she was doing well.
When she finished her sketch, we stepped back to look at the final product. Without me saying anything, she just stood and smiled, tears in her eyes. She couldn't believe how well she had done and she could actually see how well she had done! When she came in for the next class, she was still grinning from ear-to-ear and told me that she felt so much more confident all week in everything she had done because of that one sketch.
That's just one of the small successes I have seen with my students as they explore art, whether they're five or 15.
So if your child is shy or struggling with confidence, getting them involved in art is a great way to help them gain that confidence.
And make sure that when they do well, you let them know. We often think kids know what we're thinking but they really don't. An extra word of encouragement, a bit more praise, can make a huge difference in their lives.
If you'd like more information on my program, you can go to www.fineartclasses.com or call me directly at 818-784-4007. We have some great specials right now and I'd be happy to discuss them with you.
Until then, go create something with your child and watch them grow!
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