Why is performing arts important in school

A lot of focus is placed on the STEM science, technology, engineering, and mathematics framework despite the many benefits of performing arts in schools. It has been proven that people involved in performing arts are able to engage the mind, emotions, and body in ways that allow them to properly flow through real-life situations with empathy, understanding, emotional intelligence, and confidence, as well as to communicate with their varying counterparts.

As such, it is necessary to get children involved in performing arts at an early stage to equip them with all the necessary skills to navigate through life. Some of the importance of art education in primary schools are:. Drama and the performing arts provide children the opportunity to build on their cognitive skills. This is extremely intrinsic importance of arts in education, as it allows your children the ability to shift through other disciplines, if they choose, as they grow older.

The process involved in the performing arts, be it drama or music, is well-rounded, allowing children to get up on a stage and share their art with numerous people. Children that are naturally shy learn how to navigate the stage, and children with anxiety might find contentment within the art scene. Additionally, students are pushed to operate outside their comfort zones, and when this progression is noticed by children, they become more confident in presenting their work to the public.

Communication is another importance of performing arts in education that is necessary for the proper growth and development of children. The performing arts bring children together by grouping them for various activities. Learning to be a team player at such a young age will transcend to teenage years and adulthood, ensuring your child is able to communicate effectively with others.

As communication is versatile and exists in different forms, children are able to pick up on one, two, or all these skills when they choose the performing arts. Children who choose drama are better at public-speaking, reading body language, and adjusting tone accordingly. Children who choose music do not need such holistic verbal communication skills, but rather are able to communicate in a non-verbal manner.

An advanced listener is able to develop cultural leadership skills in the future. Children are also able to master emotions through learning or practicing.

This makes it easier for children to express themselves properly in a no-judgment zone. Feelings like anger, happiness, and sadness are explored and understood; this provides an efficient learning ground for real-life applications. Children are able to learn about the world in a different way via creative expression.

The importance of art education in primary schools is often experienced in the courses being taken. These courses allow students the freedom of expression, as there are always different ways to attack a problem. This helps them see the bigger picture and helps them develop problem-solving skills. As the arts is a course that allows people to develop even from self-learning, it is a perfect improvement place for children who like to work on their own. Allowing the opportunity for youth to participate in sports or performing arts, despite their economic background, is a philanthropic effort.

Young people benefit greatly from sports and the performing arts and the opportunity for extra-curricular activities help them grow in their understanding of giving and generosity; life skills necessary to promote a giving and caring culture. In addition on the performing arts side music education became widespread in the s and was a well-respected subject of study in both public school and secondary education. After World War II, people believed that drama or theatre techniques might be a useful way to foster effective learning in schools.

Today, there has been much controversy over which classes and activities should be offered to students; given a plethora of setbacks including school budget cuts. Schools are forced to choose between sports or performing arts; often choosing to cut performing arts. According to EdSource , in only a third of 8th-graders in the western U. There are a great deal of benefits that come with youth being involved in sports teams and organized athletics.

Some are obvious, while others take a bit more know-how. Regardless, when young people experience winning and losing first hand, engage in physical activity with rules and guidelines, and learn respect through collaboration, much can be achieved. Experience Winning and Losing: Playing a competitive sport allows students to experience the feeling of winning and losing. When it comes to winning, they often learn not to gloat by shaking the hand of their opponent, complimenting them on a good effort, and then celebrating with their teammates.

When losing, it teaches youth that it is okay to lose, to focus on the good work they did, then look for ways to improve. Physical Activity: Participating in a sport allows students to have another avenue to participate in physical activity as it increases blood flow to the brain and activates endorphins, which are chemicals that are released when you exercise.

These endorphins positively impact mood and work performance, which helps students in the classroom and at home. Teaches Respect: Sports involve the students, their teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials of the game. Also, it places an importance of listening to coaches and referees and following their directions to make sure they are prepared for the game. It also adds a level of critical-thinking and self-efficacy for young people to be able to understand what is required of them, but also to question situations that may feel unethical or uncomfortable.

Similar to sports, through participation in drama, music, and dance, youth are using art to learn valuable life skills. The performing arts allow for the development and flourishment of self-expression for students to help them establish their identity.

In addition, youth are able to use their creativity to create engaging art forms and explore cultures that are different from their own. Self-Expression: Having different art forms as options, the performing arts allows students to feel that they can freely express themselves , which encourages them to explore their interests and strengths. A report by the U. Department of Education revealed a significant drop in the availability of performing arts programs compared to a decade ago, reports the National Education Association.

The performing arts not only provide opportunities for students to develop creative passions but also teach communication, language and leadership in unique ways that inspire individualism. Participating in performing-arts programs helps students develop a stronger sense of individualism, self-reflection and self-esteem. Participating in these activities helps them learn to commit to a task; prepare themselves emotionally, physically and mentally; and work toward the goals of mastering and sharing their skills.

For example, musicians must commit to an individual practice schedule to aim for a successful concert, while actors must tap into the particular experiences of their characters to achieve a realistic performance onstage.