Benefits of Creative Arts Programs for Children

At My Place, creative art activities are much more than just creating crafts! We provide our artists an outlet for self-expression and creativity. Here are some ways creative art activities benefit children.

Increased self-expression and creativity

Many creative arts programs, such as art, music, and dance, allow children to express themselves in new ways they may not normally be exposed to. This self-expression leads to a greater exploration of creativity. Increased self-expression and creativity can also lead to increased confidence.

My Place students can communicate their emotions through colors and media while depicting their experiences. Our educators engage students in conversation by asking theme-based open-ended questions.

Stronger language, literacy, and math skills

Creative arts programs play an important role in strengthening skills such as language, literacy, and math. According to Susan Hallam of the University of London’s Institute of Education, speech and music have a number of shared processing systems in the brain. This means that listening to and singing along to songs can lead to improvement in a child’s understanding of language. Additionally, being able to differentiate between colors and shapes is related to important STEAM concepts.

Greater Social Emotional Learning

Also known as SEL, Social Emotional Learning refers to the process of understanding and managing emotions, relating to others, building positive relationships, developing social awareness, achieving goals, and making responsible decisions. Research has found that SEL education in the formative years leads to a greater chance of a student getting a college degree and gaining employment. Creative arts programs are an ideal way for children to see the benefits of SEL, from cooperating with a friend on a painting, to learning a song with the rest of the class.

Greater fine and gross motor skills

Creative arts programs can help your child develop their fine and gross motor skills.  Activities such as painting and using musical instruments develop fine motor skills such as dexterity and hand-eye coordination. More physical creative expressions, such as dance, strengthen gross motor skills.

Creative art programs give children opportunities to express themselves while developing a range of skills for lifelong learning.