What If We Put as Much Focus on the Arts as We Do Other Extracurriculars?

Parents understand the value of consistency when it comes to extracurricular activities. We sign kids up for another season of soccer, another year of dance, weekly music lessons or the next level of gymnastics because we know skills take time to develop.

But art is often treated differently. It becomes a rainy-day activity, a summer camp or a one-time class.

So what happens when we give kids who love art that same consistency?

Why should art be treated like other extracurricular activities?

Think about how children develop in sports or music. They learn the basics first, practice them and gradually take on more advanced skills. We don’t expect a child to pick up a soccer ball or sit down at a piano and immediately know what to do.

Art is no different.

Drawing, painting, working with different materials, understanding color, learning perspective and developing composition are all skills that can be taught and strengthened over time. Consistent instruction gives children the chance to build on what they already know instead of starting from scratch with every new project.

What are the benefits of ongoing art classes for kids?

Of course, kids learn how to create art. But there is a lot happening beyond the finished piece.

Art asks children to make choices. What color should I use? How can I make this look three-dimensional? What happens if this doesn’t turn out the way I pictured it? How can I fix it?

Those small decisions encourage problem-solving, patience and creative thinking. Kids also learn that making a mistake doesn’t mean a project is ruined. Sometimes it simply means finding another way forward.

Does my child need to be naturally artistic to take art classes?

Absolutely not.

We wouldn’t expect a child to already know how to play an instrument before taking music lessons. Art instruction works the same way.

Some children walk in already drawing every chance they get. Others are simply curious and want to try something new. Both have room to learn.

The goal isn’t for every child to create the same thing or become the same kind of artist. It’s to give them instruction, tools and opportunities to see what they can do.

How are ongoing art classes different from a one-time craft class?

There is nothing wrong with a fun afternoon craft. But ongoing art education has a different purpose.

Instead of focusing only on completing one project, students can continue developing techniques and applying what they have learned to future work. As their abilities grow, so can the complexity of what they create.

That progression is what we already value in so many other extracurricular activities.

Where can kids take ongoing art classes in Park Ridge?

Children’s Art Classes Park Ridge offers art instruction for children from age 3 through 18, with classes designed to grow along with the student.

Not every child will find their thing on a field, court or stage. Some will find it with a pencil, paintbrush or piece of clay in their hands.

Maybe it’s time we gave that passion just as much room to grow.

Now enrolling 👉 IL-Park-Ridge.ChildrensArtClasses.com