Performing arts teaches children valuable life lessons, says senior educator
It has been a hectic few months as I was involved in my school – Global Oak Tree Scholars (GOTS) International School’s annual concert – as the writer, director, and producer.
It surprised many parents that we placed a lot of emphasis on the concert. During a parent-teacher meeting, some of them asked me why.
I explained that the arts is a way of teaching children valuable life lessons that they cannot find in textbooks. The arts is a major payoff for children.
Research shows that children who sing, dance, and act, are more likely to be recognised for academic achievement than their non-performing friends.
They have enhanced cognitive, motor, and social development. They are quick thinkers, remain calm under pressure, and are able to carry on after a mistake.
They learn to improvise and think on their feet. They can control their anxiety and overcome it more easily than other children, due to a confidence they have gradually built up over the years.
A healthy blend of academics, sports, music, and the arts gives children the desire to learn, be creative, and passionate in all things they set out to do.
These four essential elements enhance children’s skills and abilities to meet the many challenges ahead.
That is why we fill the children’s world with the rich language of the arts, music, sports, and academics.
But we cannot do it alone. Parents must join us in making the world more knowledgeable, by getting the word out that a more broad-minded approach towards education is needed, so that our children can thrive and realise their goals.
Let’s not be afraid to think outside of the box. Let’s not be frightened to re-design the box. The role of the teacher has changed from the traditional model, to a facilitator of learning.
A concert is a time to celebrate achievements, and a recognition of efforts made by the teachers, students, and the administration.
It is also a time to reflect, take stock, and listen to your inner voice, whispering: “Your child has done well with us”.
As John Wesley wrote:
Do all you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can.
So, parents, let your children be all they can be, by involving them in the performing arts.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
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