The Role of Art in the Development of Children Essay

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Psychology and Teaching- The Importance of Art

How Childhood Events develop a lifetime in Art

One of the crucial times in an individual's life is early childhood. Early childhood acts as the basis for all later undertakings in one's life. It is not only the kids who suffer in case we, as a community, fall short in meeting their needs. We, the community, also suffer as a result. It is essential to note that their achievements are also our achievements. According to a recent report, the cost of every high school dropout is approximately at $292,000 (Sum, Khatiwada, McLaughlin, & Palma, 2009). Dropping out from high school is not a singular incident, but also a conclusion of several factors, commencing in early childhood. Encouraging parents and kids in the childhood years would possess some influence into elementary school, high school, early years of adulthood, and far beyond. The executives of the Federal Reserve Bank are also weighing in-from a financial point-of-view. They maintain that early childhood development courses ought to be looked at as economic advancement projects since the information surrounding its return on investment (ROI) is very convincing (Grunewald & Rolnick, 2006; Rolnick & Grunewald, 2003).

The most rapid stage of development in the life of an individual is early childhood. The years all the way from conception thorough delivery to eight years of age are vital to the healthy and whole emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of kids. The fast development phase of the brains of kids starts in the prenatal phase and later progresses after delivery. Even if the formation of cells is nearly complete prior to delivery- a newborn baby possess approximately 100 billion brain cells- vital neural channels and connections as well as maturation of the brain are gradually developed after delivery during the early childhood years. Early childhood is, hence, a stage in growth where the surroundings actually have a significant influence in the determination of the manner through which the "brain," as well as, the "central nervous system" nurtures and matures. The surroundings not only influence the brain cell quantity and the links existing amid them, but additionally the manner in which these connections get interconnected. The procedure of absolving of the surplus neurons and synapses from the dense and undeveloped brain that stretches into adolescence, is very dramatic in the early childhood years, and it is directed to a great degree by the kid's sensory encounter of the exterior world. Scientific proof proposes that in case the brain does not obtain the suitable stimulation in this vital period, rewiring of the brain at later stages in life is quite difficult (UNICEF, 2015).

Child development, resilience, and the capability of thriving are influenced by numerous factors. Making sure that all these are in place shall enhance the possibility of positive results in spite of the frightening or difficult situations. These factors entail a properly-arranged home surrounding, an emotionally responsive care-giving and properly-developed language and academic competence. The most appropriate means of supporting the healthy development and lasting success of kids is to offer support to the family and minimize the stress levels that they encounter (Shore, 1997).

Kids possess a natural love for music and art. They adore a good tune accompanied with an energetic beat. Music can immediately influence the mood of a child and also assist in the creation of new memories and connections. We are surrounded everywhere by art. Just look at the wall or pick up a book. Or even attempt to identify patterns as you take a stroll down the streets. Kids react to bold pictures and bright colors even before they utter their very first words. Our encounter with music and art commence in a kid's life. According to researchers, infants are responsive to music and other different sounds while still in their mother's womb. Hundreds of thousands of nerve cells develop consistently in the brain of an unborn baby. The stage of most rapid development in the brain development is realized during the early years; from delivery up to six years of age. Exposure to music assists in the development of listening and auditory discrimination abilities; it plays a role in the development of motor skills as well as in raising the flexibility and range of voice. In the early years, creating art is considered as an activity of exploring one's senses. According to research, introduction of art to kids at young ages possess several advantages, ranging from the improvement of creativity to rising self-confidence.

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A kid's cognitive competence, imagination, problem-solving skills and general social development can be developed by art. Kids experience some sense of emotional fulfillment when they take part in the creation of art, regardless of whether they are modeling with clay, coming up with a collage from recycled pieces, or even drawing with crayons (Murji, 2013).

Development of the "whole" Child

What is the meaning of "whole child"? There exist numerous definitions of the whole child as there exists for the arts and art education. Majority of the definitions take into account the academic, emotional, social, as well as physical development of kids in an environment which is challenging, supportive and secure. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), a non-profit member founded association, was established in 1943 with over 175,000 members belonging to more than 100 nations. The ASCD develops merchandise, programs, and services for teachers. In early 2007, it introduced a Whole Child Initiative to assist guarantee that children are secure, healthy, involved in learning and tested academically (Brown, 2008).

There exists sufficient proof implying that the years spent in elementary school are vital for kids to develop emotional, social, physical, and academic competencies and awareness to enable them lead active and healthy lives (Graber, Locke, Lambdin, & & Solmon, 2008). Academics, teachers, as well as, theorists who bear a holistic perspective of child growth offer the opinion that education within elementary institutions ought to actually be "education for life."

Brain Development

A lot has been achieved in all the developments in brain research conducted in the last decade or so. Majority of what has actually been discovered serve to verify what was initially known and builds on it even further. We recognize that the initial years of life are quite crucial. The encounters that kids face in initial 10 years of life impact the manner through which their brains shall be wired as adults. By the age of 2 a kid's brain is active similar to that of a grown-up and by age 3, the brain is twice more active than that of a grown-up- and remains that way up to age 10. Children's brains are not only more active, they also possess greater levels of neurotransmitters that aid in synapses creation. This, in addition to other features of the early brain implies that kids are primed for the learning process (Shore, 1997).

The vital function played by early care-giving is also revealed by brain research. This care manifests a lasting influence development, with the inclusion of the ability to learn and ability to control emotions. Infants thrive in the presence of warm responsive care, and there exist biological mechanisms accountable for the positive reactions of infants to attentive care-giving. When parents imitate and strengthen their babies' positive emotional reactions, they are actually manipulating the developments of patterns linked with neurons. A strong connection with the parent or any other nurturing caregiver possesses a long-term protective role. This protective aspect assists in the "immunization" of babies against the unpleasant impacts of trauma and stress that they shall surely encounter at a certain points in their lives (Peterson, 2010).

Benefits of Arts

Kids take pleasure in discovering and creating with art materials. These art encounters assist the kids in developing several life competencies. Studies reveal that art activities enhance brain capacity in the early years. Art involves the senses of the kids in open-ended play and encourages the development of multisensory, cognitive, as well as socio-emotional competencies. As kids advance into elementary school and further, art continues to offer positively for brain development, creativity, mastery, and self-esteem (PSU.edu, 2014).

According to Eisner (1991) imagination is the engine of social and cultural development (p 12). Encounters in arts develop creativity and imagination, both characteristics of great leaders and philosophers: Most of the famous inventors and scientists are also known to practice arts (Zweig, 1986). Arts do not only profit the artist, Arts are not only useful to those who develop them, but also to those who encounter them. Great works of art are an inspiration, and the process of creating art can also accomplish the same. Whenever a learner choreographs a dance, sketches a landscape, or even improvises a music piece with friends, the learner has the opportunity to picture, wonder, construct and learn. Arts offer daily chances for happiness and beauty- for people in various places all over the world. Students without arts experiences in their.....

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