It seems that as time goes on, the educational system places a greater and greater emphasis on testing preparation and results in schools across the nation. While no school should neglect testing completely, this is merely one element of the education schools provide. A diversity of studies indicate that possibly even more important are the structured and unstructured periods of play facilitated by recess and the arts.
Private schools such as Conchita Espinosa Academy understand the significance of these areas which are under threat, and are committed to providing an advanced and comprehensive arts education. The Condition of Education report of 2016 indicated that during the 2013-14 school year there were over 440,000 private school teachers, many of whom were dedicated to arts and humanities courses. Read on to find out what makes unstructured play, theatre, and the visual arts so important to children’s development
- Unstructured Play
Particularly in the elementary school age range, unstructured play time is pivotal for proper brain development.
While some of the lessons children learn in school are more obvious, such as mathematics and the natural sciences, others are less so. Executive functioning is another skill children pick up in the social school environment. The acquisition of this skill is essential to planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation throughout a child’s life. - Theatre
According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, theatre education doubles the chances of graduating for youth who are considered to be “at risk.” Studies indicate that involvement in theatre can improve attendance, grades, and more. Not only is school performance improved, but civil participation increases as well. Students whose education more heavily involves the arts are more likely to volunteer, to vote, and to participate in their communities in other ways. - Visual Arts
The digital revolution has resulted in a world which is more visual than ever before. Schools must provide a learning environment in which students are prepared to navigate and participate in the discourse of images. A statement by the National Art Education Association offers that visual art education provides “sources of aesthetic experience…human understanding, means of developing creative and flexible forms of thinking, and
means of helping students understand and appreciate art.” Public and private schools have an obligation to integrate this education into their curricula.
For an education which gives the arts and play their due diligence, enroll your child at Conchita Espinosa Academy.
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