Arts Boost Kids' Academic Learning

As we know, art serves as a means for children to learn and develop their mental faculties. Let us look briefly at how art can be applied

in different academic subjects for children to better perform in school.

Mathematics. Art can be a help for learning mathematics. With art, children become aware of different sizes, shapes, and parallel lines. Young children can work with simple collage materials and beads to introduce numbers, positive and negative space, classification, and sequencing and pattern recognition.

Science. Paint changes texture as it dries, powdered paint and chalk dissolve in water, and chalk produces bubbles when dipped in water. Also, paints change color when they are mixed together. The physical sciences are ever present as children produce art.

Economics. This and other concepts from the social studies develop with art activities. Children become producers by making art and consumers by using art materials.

Language. Children learn to talk about their art and that of others and develop their vocabulary.

Literacy. Children make and read symbols that represent reality. Arts promote print awareness, spatial relation skills, visual literacy, and verbal creativity.

While children enjoy art activities at home, parents should be there during the whole process, not just when the kids already have their finished artworks to show to them. Art can be a family activity, too, so parents shall spend time with their kids, as they are valuable resources in facilitating their little ones' learning.

Following are some art activities children can busy themselves with. Parents can designate an area of the house for "messy art" and a table for "hand-made crafts."