// FEATURE STORY //
WORDS DEBRA JACOBSON
all about art THE IMPORTANCE OF VISUAL ARTS IN LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
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s parents we make decisions early on in our children’s lives that have a huge impact on their development. Many parents think only of math, science, history and the English language as the focus of their child’s education. But visual arts (drawing, painting, photography, 2-D and 3-D objects) are also important for healthy development — particularly during grades K-6.
Many traits are developed early on whichcontribute to skills and experiences that increase confidence and develop mature, thoughtful and capable adults. Research shows that American creativity is declining, and this decline is most evident in children in grades K-6. How does a child learn and
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develop through the visual arts? Here are but a few of the many ways:
Early Expression
“Drawing precedes written work,” says Judy Gohringer, artist and retired K-12 art teacher, Rochester City School District.
“Children internalize a thought or experience when they use their hand to draw it.” Gohringer compares it to yoga — internalizing a new concept or experience happens when it is done with the mind and body together.