Educating the Whole Child

As many of you, I watched the Grammy Awards last night, catching most of the performances, but not paying too much attention to who actually won the awards. With exception of Chris Brown (sorry, he is still on my shit list for his behavior on Good Morning America...), I enjoyed all the performances.  Adele was outstanding, but just as impressive, was Jennifer Hudson with her tribute to Whitney Houston! Wow! I wanted to give her a standing ovation when she finished the song!

Probably a sign that I am getting old,  but what really stuck with me, was Neil Portnow's presentation.  As the CEO/Academy President talked about the Grammy Foundation and their programs, the importance of music and arts education, and not least, the support of current and future talents, both musically and as we heard, with personal problems, I was so happy to see them giving him so much time to share this message!  

Where we year after year see cuts in the education budgets, and the schools being forced to cut everything but "the essentials", it is good to see such a large organization, with so many well known supporters, working towards music and arts being an integrated part of every school.  Because, as Mr. Portnow said, "Exposure to the arts cannot be optional. It's a cultural necessity in our country and deserves everyone's enthusiastic support."

Amen to that!  I am so sick of politicians and school officials caring only about test scores and labeling the schools good or bad based solely on these scores.  I dare say, the quality of the education our children is receiving is sorely lacking when test scores is the only measurement.  Life is about so much more than science, reading, writing and math!  

Photo by Luigi Diamanti/Freedigitalphotos.net

We can doodle on paper, sing songs at home and watch cartoons with the kids...that does not constitute arts!   Exposing children to different types of music, from classical to hip hop; teaching them both to sing and play, and read music, not only gives them a great sense of accomplishment, but gives them skills they can use the rest of their lives, whether it is just to sing or play for fun at home, or to build a career in music. The enormity of a theater - it doesn't really matter what the show is, has such an impact on a young child.  Watching a child living themselves right in to the story taking place on stage, is almost better than watching the show itself. What impact do you suppose them actually being on stage, and part of the play would have?  Learning to use proper techniques, proportions and colors to create and express what they want on paper, again, a great sense of accomplishment, and skills they can use for the rest of their lives, whether for fun or professionally. 

Photo by Simon Howden/Freedigitialphotos.net

 Obviously most of us do not end up with a career in the arts. I guess that is where so many oppose us using tax dollars on incorporating it in our children's education.  However, exposure to arts have proven to have a much bigger impact than just skills within music, visual or creative arts.  According to Ehow.com, music and arts also improves the following skills:

• Reading - Statistics show an understanding of music improves reading skills
• Mental Development - Music has a positive effect on mental reasoning.  
• Math - Music students consistently perform well in math, regardless of socioeconomic status
• Behavior - Music and art in the classroom in combination with academic learning produces favorable results.
• Creativity - It is indicated that students with more involved  arts instructions, develop a higher level of creative thinking and open mindedness.

For more details, read their article here.

I hope that through their work, the Grammy Foundation along with other great organizations as Children's Music Workshop, will convince our government and school officials of the importance of exposure to the arts for all children. I also hope that the number of adults supporting arts education in the schools will increase dramatically, (according to Ehow.com, only 41% see it as important today) and that it will be made a priority along with the reading, writing, science and math. 

As adults we consistently talk about "thinking outside the box" to find solutions to problems, to better  streamline work, to create new procedures and policies.  Wouldn't it be great if our children, through their education, learned creative thinking through their arts projects, thereby not being afraid to "think outside the box",  gained the confidence to present their ideas from having been on a stage in a play, and not least, grew up with a very fulfilling appreciation for both music and arts that will probably stay with them for the rest of their lives.  That is what I wish for my kids!  Let the whole child be educated!!