Arts Supprt Academics

Creativity and imagination add interest where students may not have it. Arts draw on additional senses to deepen and personalize understanding of complex subject matter. Arts offer additional ways in which students can realize success. When children are good at something their confidence rises and they become willing to try in other areas. When the art is dance, it taps into the kinesthetic sense which is so strong, yet under-engaged in children.

Incorporating dance into academic lessons addresses two contemporary issues: learning the subject matter more fully, and increasing the activity level of the students. Enhancing the established curriculum with personal movement is not only fun and keeps a student's interest, but actually teaches quantity, quality, and clarity of a concept. Plus, once students are more active in the class room, they are more comfortable using their body for other activities. Then the learning sticks and the physical activity increases. Win-win!

Keeping children physically present in school is less of a challenge than keeping them engaged in school. Transportation is often provided to insure arrival at school. Teachers take attendance to be sure the transition from the front door to the classroom is successful. What is done to be sure the mind is open, alert and productive other than explanations, discussions and worksheets? Art, and in particular, dance awakens more than the commonly used visual and auditory senses. Students who move while learning absorb information through the eyes, ears, muscles and more. Schools understand that manipulatives engage a better understanding of subject matter. As a society, let's go beyond the hands to include the whole body in the discovery of knowledge.

The old retort of "I didn't have art with my science and I'm just fine" isn't a good enough reason not to do better by this generation. Fine is the enemy of excellence.

Nervous tax payers worry about the added expense for complimenting the three "Rs" with art. Paying X amount for 'fine' may be adequate, but paying X plus a little more to achieve much more is the best deal. Who doesn't like to pay a little more for the best.

If we don't do our best for this upcoming generation, how can they? Reaching for the brass ring doesn't mean we will get it every time, but we are more likely to get it sometimes than if we don't reach at all. Ask your school system to employ dance teachers who can bring astronomy, math, chemistry, creative writing and other subjects to life, even if on a part-time basis. Then watch your investment blossom into more enthusiasm for school, and more success on the report card.