Keeping Art in Their Daily Lives
Special to Out & About

Just like kids need to have good nutrition on a daily basis, kids need to have their daily serving of the arts. Chances are, though, that your kids are not getting enough art—in or out of school. The arts are much more than just fun “extra” activities for kids. Studies have shown the far-reaching benefits of an arts education.

The Arts:
• Improve kids’ academic performance.
• Show that kids actively engaged in arts are likely to have higher test scores than those with little to no involvement.
• Develop skills needed by the 21st century workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, teamwork and more.
• Teach kids to be more tolerant and open.
• Allow kids to express themselves creatively and bolster their self-confidence.
• Keep students engaged in school and less likely to drop out.

Here are 10 simple ways you can start today to get more art in your child's life.
1. Enjoy the arts together. Sing, play music, read a book, dance, or draw with your child at home.
2. Encourage your child to participate in the arts in or out of school.
3. Explore your community’s library and read “the classics” together—from Mother Goose to Walt Whitman.
4. Find out about local arts events like museum exhibits, local plays, festivals, or outdoor concerts. (See OnStage, pg 35)
5. Tell your child’s teacher, principal, and school leadership that the arts are vital to your child’s success. Offer to help.
6. Contact your local arts organizations to inquire about the arts education programs they offer either during school hours or after school. Volunteer to donate time, supplies, or help with their advocacy efforts and connect these services to your child’s school.
7. Attend a school board or PTA meeting and voice your support for the arts. Make sure the arts are adequately funded as part of the core curriculum in the school budget.
8. Explore your child’s dream to sing, to dance, to draw, to act—and encourage them to become the best they can be.
9. Be an arts supporter! Contact your elected officials—lawmakers and school board members—to ask them for more arts education funding from the local, state, and federal levels.
10. Sign up to become an activist on the Americans for the Arts website. You will get news updates and alerts about arts education.

~ www.AmericansForTheArts.org