I believe it is important to teach art because art helps students learn how to express themselves, it teaches students about different cultures, and it can help students learn different types of skills. I think that these reasons are all very significant because they can help students become well rounded.
These days it seems like elementary students do not know how to use their imaginations. I think this can be blamed on video games, television, and lack of art taught in our schools. It seems that teachers have to go by the rules and students can’t think in their own way. Art can help students learn how to express themselves and to think on their own. “Art should be valued ‘‘for art’s sake’’ because it is considered an important means for self-expression-spontaneity, imagination, play, experimentation, and lack of inhibition are desirable components of making artworks- and for freedom of expression” (S. Wright). I loved this quote from a source that I found because it shows how much art can bring into students’ lives and what they will miss out on if art is not taught in schools. I really believe that art can help students learn how to “express ideas and feelings in individual ways, and not be afraid to display their learning before their teachers, peers, and parents” (Burton, Horowitz, & Abeles, 1999). Art can help students feel more confident and I also believe it will help them feel like their work and input is important.
One thing that is very important for our students to learn about and understand is other cultures. Art is a perfect way for students to not only learn about those other cultures but to realize that even though we all may be different or from another place, we still can come together when it comes to art. “Art is an international language; it is universally accessible even to those with little knowledge of how it was used in a culture” (Clements, & Wachowiak, 2010). Art will always be something that will connect us to people all over the world. It is something that is universally loved and it is important for our students to understand that connection.
“The discipline, creative problem-solving, patience, and productivity that must be used in order to create a piece of art are life skills that anyone can benefit from learning, particularly at an early age” (Rakoczy). I really enjoyed this quote from another source that I found because it really stated that art not only helps students with imagination and self expression, but it also helps them learn life skills that they will use throughout their whole lives. I think it is important for students to learn that some things will not come easy, and they may have to wait awhile for things that they want. Art will be able to help students learn these different skills so it is not as difficult for them when they face challenges times.
I really found out a lot of information from the three sources from class and also from the three sources that I found on my own. They taught me many benefits of teaching art and they have made me an even bigger advocate for keeping arts in our schools.
References:
Burton, J, Horowitz, R, & Abeles, H. (1999). Learning in and through the arts: curriculum implications . 36.
Clements, R, & Wachowiak, F. (2010). Art a qualitative art program for elementary and middle schools. Boston: Pearson.
Creation Mind- Chapter 4- “In the arts the individual can use materials to confer upon forms whatever suits his or her purposes without being accused of ‘distorting reality’.”
Wright, S. Why art is important for young children. www.education.com/reference/article/art-important-young-children
Rakoczy, C. (n.d.). Why teach art in elementary schools?. Retrieved from http://answers.yourdictionary.com/answers/jobs-education/why-teach-art-in-elementary-schools.html
Schreiner, E. (n.d.). Important skills that art can teach you. Retrieved from www.ehow.com/list_7241034_important-skills-art-can-teach.html
No comments:
Post a Comment