Art Class: The Secret Sauce for Teaching Kids to Think Outside the Box

Parents, educators, and even individuals often wonder if art class can be the catalyst that helps children think outside the box. To explore this, let's first clarify the metaphors at play. Just as one might choose between Bechamel, Veloute, Espagnole, Tomato, or Hollandaise sauce, there are many nuances to art class teaching. In today's conversation, we will focus on the approach and benefits of an art class designed to foster creative thinking in children.

Art Class without the Pressure

The key to a successful art class lies not in the direct instruction but in the guidance and enabling environment. The traditional model of teaching during class time can be restrictive for young minds. Instead, it is more effective to demonstrate the techniques and then step back to let children explore and create on their own terms. The goal is to create a space for exploration and experimentation without the fear of grading.

Nurturing Young Minds

Children under the age of 15 have developing brains, coordination challenges, and are highly sensitive to criticism. These factors make it crucial to create a non-judgmental environment where they can express themselves freely. Each week, focus on a specific medium to focus their creative efforts. For instance, one week could be dedicated to sculpture, another to painting, and so on. The key is to allow them to try, fail, and learn in a supportive setting.

Creative Thinking and the Genetical Gift

Artistic talent, like many other gifts, is genetic. While many parents do not recognize or encourage this talent in their children, it is essential to create an environment that nurtures it. Creative thinking requires patience, an open mind, and encouragement. Parents often overlook the importance of this, viewing artistic endeavors as a waste of time. This is both a shame and a missed opportunity. Encouraging children to think outside the box is vital and should be part of their educational journey.

Art Beyond the Box

Art class is not a guarantee that children will think outside the box. It does not inherently teach this skill. However, research spanning over five decades shows that art education can significantly contribute to a child's development. Children who participate in arts, along with reading, math, science, and history, tend to perform better on standardized tests, have higher college acceptance rates, and achieve better economic outcomes. While these are not absolute guarantees, they are promising trends.

While the U.S. has placed a lot of emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), it is essential to remember the importance of the 'A' in STEAM: Arts. Integrating arts into STEM education can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. Therefore, while there is no secret sauce for raising and educating children, fostering a holistic educational environment that includes art can undoubtedly lead to better outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, art class can indeed be a critical component in helping children think outside the box. By providing an environment that encourages creativity, explores various mediums, and supports individual expression, we can nurture young minds to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a humanistic approach to the world. Let's embrace the power of art and STEAM in our educational programs to ensure our children thrive in a rapidly changing world.