By Geoffrey Worssam
Sedona Red Rock High School
(October 21, 2013)
Dear Editor,
A child’s imagination is arguably the most powerful tool utilized to navigate through school and life. Imagination supplies a child with the insight and understanding needed to be successful in endeavors, and the arts are one area where a child acquires language and media skills necessary to express imagination to the world.
It is well established that aptitude with the arts helps children transfer expertise to other subjects as well. This has been demonstrated by many studies. For example, MIT stated recently that students typically remember about 10% of what they read, but 90% of what they actually experience through doing. Additionally, the strong connection between math and music has been well documented. Children who learn math concepts through music and dance retain the information far more than those who learn by verbal instruction alone. Finally, there are many physical benefits for developing well rounded children through exposure to the arts. When small children work with clay, for example, it strengthens their finger muscles in readiness for writing.
Participation with the arts can help a child develop patience, craftsmanship, and verbal acuity. This can feed the spirit as well as the intellect. Attention to detail, which is universal to all arts practices, further instills in children the importance of doing a job well. The self-efficacy developed through these activities creates the foundation of lifelong learning in whatever field the student chooses.
Any student can find a place of acceptance and self-expression in the arts. Sedona has been envisioned by her citizens as a community “animated by the arts.” What better way to bring the arts alive—invigorating and strengthening our community—than to start with our youngest student citizens?