Children, like everyone, have a range of talents and abilities. One child is great with numbers; another has a knack for words and language. All kids learn differently and at different rates. Still, children with learning challenges often face more frustration in their regular classrooms. But there is one subject that most kids enjoy being on the same playing field as their peers. It’s art! Painting, drawing, sculpting, dance, music, and crafts benefit all children, including those with learning challenges — the following article presented by A Spacious Place explains the hows and whys.
A Boost in Self-Esteem
No one’s art has to be just like anyone else’s. Art teachers emphasize the point that “it’s your art, and it can be whatever you want it to be.” This statement is powerful and resonates with kids who have learning challenges. These children often feel a lower sense of self-worth or even like they are less intelligent than their classmates. But, with art, the pressure to perform like everyone else is off, allowing creativity to flow and boosting their self-esteem.
Expressing Thoughts Is Easier
Children who learn differently sometimes struggle with communication. Art allows kids to express themselves in a way that is comfortable for them. Children who learn differently often deal with strong emotions that are difficult to explain or control. Art gives them an outlet for these feelings.
Improves Concentration and Reduces Stress
When doing art, the brain is stimulated as more dopamine is produced. For children with ADHD, increased dopamine results in improved concentration. As a result, art is enjoyable, and serotonin levels increase too. This feel-good hormone, produced when being creative, reduces stress levels.
Physical Benefits
Dexterity and fine motor skills improve when kids paint, draw, mold clay, use scissors, or play an instrument. In addition, large muscle groups get an excellent workout when practicing a dance routine.
A Dedicated Space for Creativity
Art is sometimes messy, music is sometimes loud, and space is needed for dancing. So think about utilizing an unused room or area of your home as a “creativity” space. A spare bedroom or unfinished basement converted into a dance, art, music classroom, or studio has many advantages.
Spontaneity
Setting up a table, gathering supplies, and asking permission each time a child wants to do a craft or practice dancing stifles creativity. An area designated for artistry means supplies are readily available and easily accessible when the mood hits. In addition, a dedicated space means unfinished projects stay on the table or easel. There’s no need to rush to complete a masterpiece.
Living Areas Remain Tidy
Paint, glue, and glitter get everywhere. A room containing all supplies, instruments, and even a dance bar leaves the rest of the house paint- and glitter-free. Music noise is greatly decreased and kids have a space to practice dance without interfering with the activities of other family members.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Converting an unfinished space into a finished space increases the usable square footage of your home. This could help boost the appraisal value of your property should you decide to sell in the future or if you need to leverage the equity in your home to finance remodeling or college costs.
Share Your Teaching With Others
After teaching art to your child, you’ve seen the benefits it brings them, and you’ve enjoyed teaching too. Consider reaching out to other parents with kids who have learning disabilities. Turn your passion into a business and offer art classes in your home’s art room or studio.
Teaching platforms provide teachers, tutors, and performers a place to list online and in-person classes and activities in Washington, DC, and around the country, and owning and operating a small business from your home has many benefits. Flexibility and convenience rank at the top. Further, being your own boss means you make all the decisions and your creativity has no limits.
Benefits of Art for Learning Disabilities
Children with learning disabilities benefit from doing art. Improved concentration, decreased stress levels, and a judgment-free outlet to express themselves are just a few. Working together with parents and educators, children who learn differently are better served.
~ Brad Krause