Good Parent Help: Art-based After School Activities
A recent report by several independent researchers concludes that taking part in the arts nurtures the development of personal, social and cognitive skills. Programs based on the Arts can assist academic achievement and decrease the tendency towards bad behavior. It helps youth form positive attitudes about themselves and builds self-esteem.
Arts programs involve communication, interpretation and understanding of
complex symbols, much like mathematics and languages. Thus it encourages higher-order analytical skills and skills of evaluation and synthesis. Many of the programs make the child regularly use multiple skills thus
making them versaltile and dynamic.
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. They understand what sustained focus is and learn that regular practice is
the path to excellence.
For the withdrawn or shy child speech, theatreor drama classes may be an outlet for pent up emotions. As drama entails getting into the ’skin’ of a character, the child discovers how to verbalize emotions and express thoughts. These reasons account for the popularity of arts-based activities.
And how about a hobby that you could share with your child? Face painting is great fun to learn and what child does notlove have their face painted. You do not have to be artistic to enjoy this craft. And there are so many ways you can add to your face painting. There are face painting stamps and temporary tattoos so even as a beginnner you can create stunning designs. Of course, face paintings are great for themed birthday parties, special holidays, sports events, and, not forgetting, Halloween. So whether it’s a puppy dog, cat, monster or other design the opportunities to have fun are endless. And you and your child get to spend some quality time together. That certainly is a win win situation!
Discover more:
Face painting instructions
Face painting designs
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