During the important middle school years, art lessons in the classroom offer students hands-on opportunities to explore their creativity and develop key skills. The knowledge and techniques they gain during this time can support future learning and build confidence across other subjects. If your child is at this pivotal stage, here are some of the benefits of encouraging art education.
How Art Lessons Support Middle School Development
In middle school students begin to develop more advanced fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while also gaining the ability to plan and complete more complex projects. Encouraging children to pursue art lessons at this age will have long-standing benefits.
Supports Academic Development
Middle school students often feel confident enough to take on more responsibility in the planning and realization of a project. After completing their early development, they can consider the steps needed to go from an initial concept to the final work. This process will have benefits that go far beyond the art class, and extend across the entire curriculum.
Improves Communication Skills
Art lessons are important for developing communication skills in several ways. First, students will need to develop an ability to interpret a concept and create meaning through images. Additionally, teachers can encourage discussion by having students share their creative choices and artwork with the group.
Builds Self-Confidence
For many young students, art class is a place where they can thrive and develop self-confidence. Turning an idea into a finished piece gives children a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to pursue further learning. If parents or teachers want to create a space where kids are at their most creative, follow our top ways for engaging middle school children in art.
Reinforces Learning in Other Subjects
The skills students develop in art lessons extend to many other middle school subjects. Visual interpretations of books and real-life events can improve storytelling and literacy. Art projects based on nature themes and outer space can help children better visualize scientific concepts. In almost every subject, art can be used to help middle school students understand and interpret the big ideas.
Encourages Self-Expression
Middle school students experience many changes and emotions that they might struggle to articulate. Art lessons provide an important outlet for expressing feelings that they may not be ready to verbalize. From realistic depictions to abstract works, art allows students to reflect on and channel their emotions in healthy, creative ways.
Builds Practical Life Skills
Taking on greater responsibility in art class encourages middle school children to develop life skills. Of course, kids need art lessons to develop creativity, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Happily, through participation, children will also find that additional skills like time management and teamwork improve.
Browse Our Highly Rated Art Lessons for Students
Golden Road Arts creates art tutorials for elementary and middle school students to follow at home or in the classroom. We develop a range of quality lessons, including instructional classes and art literacy guides. Watch our free art lessons today.
