A stronger focus on the arts in education would serve our country well. Arts in education allow students to learn in a variety of ways and a variety of subjects. Subjects like social and emotional learning, where students can enhance their skills of working with others collaboratively and managing their emotions. Also, when integrated with other subjects, the arts can enhance teaching and learning in subjects like math, science, social studies, etc.
As a public-school dance educator in Utah, I have seen the negative side effects of vast quantities of screentime for our students. Students can access mass amounts of immediate media and information in their pockets. Students are often missing opportunities to think creatively and instead focus on memorizing information to repeat the “correct” answer. Through the arts, students can have the opportunity to learn how to think for themselves and develop a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy.
Working specifically through the art of dance, I see the decline in fine and gross motor skills. This is concerning as many of these skills show and practice important brain patterns needed for reading readiness, writing, awareness and planning.
As stated in the book “Engaging Classroom and Communities through Art,” by Beth Krensky and Seana Lowe Steffen, “Changes in the imagination are the precursors to changes in our society… Art connects us to our shared humanity.” The arts can give the rising generation the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond!
Jessica Jensen, Sandy
