By Dr. Teena Welborn
Research shows strong evidence that children should be involved in the arts, which can include music, visual art, drama, dance, puppetry, and storytelling. All of these activities help children with creativity, gross and fine motor skill connection, problem solving, and understanding (The Illinois Early Learning, 2021).
If your school district has cut funding for the arts, it is important to replace it through outside resources or by setting up areas in your home to nurture that part of their brain. Art stimulates cognitive function and critical thinking and promotes well-being. Many teachers incorporate the arts in the classroom because they realize the importance. As an administrator, I enjoyed walking into classrooms where a story had been brought to life through acting, drawing, or music.
Lou McDaniel of Brandon, who taught in the Rankin County School District for over 20 years, was one of these teachers. Her students read history books and then portrayed those characters onstage for parents and families. Mrs. McDaniel also presented musicals where the students would sing and dance to show comprehension of children’s stories. She read stories, then assigned art projects for students to create their favorite part of the story – whatever it took to bring literature to life. This helped her students comprehend and visualize the story. No student is too old to draw, act, play music, or sing a song about what they have read.
The Creative Art Center states that art engages children’s senses and supports the development of social-emotional and multisensory skills. It provides a safe space to express themselves and builds self-esteem. Have you ever listened or watched your child play and seen them acting, role playing, or using their imagination? As a grandparent and educator, I think it is so amazing and charming to see what they come up with. This type of play is so beneficial for your children.
Our God and creativity
When we think about what God has created for us to enjoy, it astounds me how much of God’s creation, artwork, and beauty is all around us. Our artwork can never compare to His creations, but we can make sure our children are enjoying and being involved with every aspect of His nature and artwork. Point out to your children the wonders that are all around you so they can appreciate His art.
Psalm 50 says art is valued and inspired by God as a means of reflecting and glorifying Him. He tells the sun where to rise and set. Can you remember a beautiful sunset? He crafted that artwork for you. Art is important for Christians because it is a way to glorify God.
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than unto men.” – Colossians 3:23. We get to create our own art because we are created in His image!
Dr. Teena Welborn is a retired educator and author of “Raising Whosoevers to Be the Heart of Our Schools.” Dr. Welborn and her husband of 37 years, Cliff, live in Florence, Mississippi, where they raised their three boys. They are members of First Baptist Florence. She can be contacted at tlmwelborn13@gmail.com.