With the inclusive STEAM movement, I truly believe that educators can better motivate their students to reach their full potential and inspire our future society. The following video demonstrates just how the arts can engage youth:
So why are the arts so important? I recently read a blog post by Lisa Phillips who, like me, wants to see a change in our current national focus of STEM to one of STEAM. In this post Ms. Phillips discusses "10 Skills Children Learn from the Arts", you can check out what Ms. Phillips has to say by clicking this link. As I read, it got me thinking about why the arts are so important for our middle school students. Listed below are the 10 skills and why these are important for our students at Harding.
1. Creativity - The middle school years are crucial in a child's development. The arts ask students to think outside of the box, to approach a situation that may not have a perfect solution. This is where developing a person's creativity is so important. The jobs of the future haven't been created yet, so it is vital that we give our students practice with thinking on their feet, to use their creativity. We do them, as well as ourselves, a disservice if we don't.
2. Confidence - Public speaking is a part of just about any profession our students will venture into and yet if you poll the population, public speaking remains one of the top fears. The arts gives students a chance to develop their confidence and truly appreciate just how fantastic they are. Last year I had the amazing opportunity to work with a group of students on a production of Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr. After the final curtain dropped, I asked the students about the process and what they gained. The thing that stood out to me was that every student mentioned how much their confidence grew. In a time where there might be a lot of insecurity and confusion about who they are (middle school is tough y'all!), the arts allow these students to feel good about themselves. That is the most valuable thing of all!
3. Problem Solving - Tying in a little bit with creativity, the arts allow students to look at problem that may not have a perfect, formulaic solution and to find answers. How do I express myself with this painting? What message does this song promote? The arts allow students to engage in this process and by giving students this practice, we allow them to develop their understanding and reasoning skills. These skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
4. Perseverance - A new skill is not perfected right away. You have to put in the work in order to get better. We (the arts) challenge students to try new skills and although there may be frustration at times, we recognize the beauty of this journey. In fact, often times the journey is just as beautiful as the end result. In our ever changing world, our students will be forced to persevere throughout their entire lives.
5. Focus - The arts requires students to concentrate. They must stay engaged or live in the moment in order to make appropriate contributions to the piece. Without that focus, students may feel that they are letting down their fellow members. According to Ms. Phillips, she states that " Recent research has shown that participation in the arts improves children’s abilities to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives."
6. Non-verbal communication - Students are given the tools to appropriately control their bodies in an effort to convey a message to their audience. Whether their audience be an auditorium full of people or their boss/employees, appropriate non-verbal communication is vital for our students to learn. The arts can reinforce these life lessons.
7. Receiving Constructive Feedback - Feedback is a part of life. The arts allow so much abstract thinking, that constructive feedback is a pivotal part of the process. The arts allows students to recognize that feedback is not a personal attack but simply a way to promote self reflection. It's a part of the learning process and when feedback is given it is give our students a chance to identify spots of success and improvement.
8. Collaboration - Working with people is an important skill. Being able to work towards a common goal, to share responsibilities, and effectively communicate with people (whether you like them or not) are things that we focus on in the arts. This is simply the nature of the beast when it comes to the arts, as they are collaborative in nature. I always tell my students that being able to work with people and networking can lead to endless possibilities.
9. Dedication - The nature of most arts endeavors is that there will be some type of performance at the end. Whether it be a band or orchestra concert, an art show, or a performance, students will be able to showcase what they've been working on. Because of this, students are asked to commit to something. Quitting is not an option, not only because it effects the overall performance, but it effects their fellow members. Practices develop a positive work ethic that will serve our students in their future careers. Again, it goes back to the journey being just as beautiful as the end result.
10. Accountability - Going hand in hand with dedication and collaboration, students learn about the idea of something bigger than themselves. The students hold one another accountable. Last year, during rehearsals for the musical, our students held one another accountable. If someone was missing, there was genuine concern. Often times the students would check in with the missing person before I was able to.
So, next time you ask yourself or someone asks you, "Why are the arts so important?" I hope you take into account what I've laid out before you! The arts can be a powerful tool in the development of the whole student.
PLEASE feel free to comment, I am interested to hear what you have to say!
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