A recent report by several independent
researchers concludes that participating
in the arts nurtures the development of social, personal and cognitive skills.
Programs based on Arts can improve academic achievement and decrease the
tendency towards delinquency.
It helps youth form positive attitudes about
themselves and build self esteem. Arts programs involve communication,
interpretation and understanding of complex symbols, much like mathematics and
languages. Thus it fosters higher-order analytical skills and skills of
evaluation and synthesis.
Many of the programs make the child regularly use
multiple skills thus making him dynamic and versatile. Development of
imagination, judgment and philosophy are fringe benefits of an arts-based
activity. As opposed to the short 45-minute duration of the art classes at
school, the extra time allowed in after school activities allows the child to
get more involved.
This results in more satisfactory opportunities for
development of latent capabilities in the child. In turn, the child learns to
set high standards of achievement. He understands what sustained focus is and
learns that regular practice is the way to excellence.
In the shy or the
withdrawn child, theatre, speech or drama lessons may be an outlet for pent up
emotions. As drama entails getting into the 'skin' of another person, the child
learns to verbalize emotions and express thoughts. These reasons account for
the popularity of arts-based activities.
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After-School Activities
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