No Child or Artist Left Behind?

Can you guess what child the following statements describe?

4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance
5 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem

Did you guess that this is a description of a child that is involved in the arts?  That’s right. This is research taken from a study that followed children who participated in the arts for at least three hours on three days each week for at least one full year.  Wow, can that really be true? 

You mean to tell me that the very programs that have been on the chopping block, and that have been cut from our schools with this recent economic cataclysm are what our children might really need to help them with critical and creative thinking?  But why then has the ‘No Child Left behind Act’ been instrumental in squeezing them out?  And you’re now telling me that our students being more involved in the arts might be one of the very things that actually catapult them into the excelling category on the AIMS test, not to mention all the other great reasons to teach them?…But wait, 3 hours on three days each week….this sounds like a child would need to be enrolled in a heavy arts program in the schools and that is not to be currently seen, heard or found in our local schools.  So, the only other way would have to be for our students to get their exposure through extra curricular activities, outside the school day...

Can creativity and the arts really have that kind of impact on our children?  The executive director of International Child Art Foundation Ashfaq Ishaq discusses the critical role of imagination, discovery and creativity in a child’s education….“Research on creativity documents a so-called “fourth grade slump” across cultures.  Briefly, these data indicate that when children begin school, their level of creativity is evident and often flourishing. By the time they reach the fourth grade, however, they have become more conforming, less likely to take risks, and less playful or spontaneous than in earlier years. These trends continue throughout the school years and into adulthood.” Say Ashfaq, “Hence the risk of diminishing creativity faced by children needs to be addressed by adults, if humans are to attain their creative potential. Today’s children must be given the chance to develop their creativity to the fullest extent possible; not only for the benefit of their own future but also for the communities we all inhabit.”

So, it appears that if we want our children’s creativity developed and continued, particularly in the area of the arts, it is currently up to the parents to carry out and provide that opportunity.  There are so many ways that we can encourage our children’s creativity and nurture the artistic ability within them.    One of the best ways is to introduce him to environments and experiences where creativity is supported, rewarded and entertaining,

How about we start with what’s right in front of us.  So, what are some of our options when we live in Yuma, Arizona?   Although every month of the year our children have opportunities to explore and be involved in the arts, perhaps December offers a more diverse array of our local artists at work than any other time. Here are some ideas that you and your child can share together.

A quick scan through the weekend newspapers is a great starting point:

•    The Nutcracker ballet – It’s a must for your children this holiday season. If you’ve never been to the Nutcracker you should put it on your holiday calendar. This is a chance for your child to have a whimsical look at a fairy tale future come true. It’s also a perfect introduction to classical music, as the sounds of Tchaikovsky can be heard floating down 6th Avenue like a kite on a breezy afternoon.  Make sure and stay after to shake hands with the professional dancers who will share their histories of how they began their careers as the little lambs prancing on tip toes across the stage.

•    The Yuma Art Center has the month of December filled with opportunities for family fun, creativity and entertainment.  Whether your child is interested in guitar, scrapbooking, dancing, pottery, crafts and so much more …check out the classes that are available.

•    Visit the Yuma Fine Arts Gallery and view the children’s work from the Festival of the Arts that was put on last month by the city.

•    Don’t miss the wonderful array of the Creative Arts presentations from Arizona Western College with their choral and instrumental shows, theatre offerings, and the art gallery viewings.  Our high schools also share their talents with the community with a variety of plays and musical shows.

•    You and your children can watch the artists at work at the Yuma County Fairgrounds with the Yuma Potpourri Artists.  Make sure and ask the artisans to share their stories of becoming artists and talk to your children about what they were doing at your child’s age to build the talents they now have.

•    And of course, if you listen closely you will hear the hand bells chimes as they announce the many local churches with their magical musical evenings. Costumes, drama, and sometimes even live animals come together to tell the endearing stories of the birth of the Christ Child.  Hours and hours are being spent, with our local community artists donating their time, treasure and talents into sharing the Christmas message as well as their creativity.

What a wonderful way to spend time with your children this holiday season, exploring together the rich creative opportunities all around us.  Then encourage your little artists to reach out and discover their  unique gifts and talents. 
 
“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” - Pablo Picasso

For other local events browse this website http://www.eventsinyuma.com/ to get a regular weekly update on the happenings in and around our community. 

Other websites to find out more about the arts:
http://ww3.artsusa.org/get_involved/advocacy/advocacy_004.asp

http://ww3.artsusa.org/pdf/get_involved/advocacy/research/2008/artsed_08.pdf

http://www.americansforthearts.org

http://www.artsonia.com/

***

Karen Spencer teaches education and communication classes at Arizona Western College and NAU-Yuma. She can be contacted by e-mail at karen.spencer@azwestern.edu.