Thursday, August 29, 2013
The Importance of Art, Music, and Gym in School
After our talk in class on Wednesday about how schools are run nowadays I was searching the Internet for something that I wanted to blog about when this idea came to be. As we all know many schools have had or are having trouble passing levies. When a levy doesn't pass that means budget cuts have to be made in the schools. When this happens students lose anything from busing to extracurricular activities and much more. One thing that recently has been happening in elementary schools though when there needs to be a budget cut is they cut out gym, music and, art. The reason behind it is these things aren't seen as "essentials" to children's learning some say. Others think that it can be left up to the teacher who teaches the core subject to include art or music into the regular classroom. Some even say that we need to focus more on core classes because it is more important and we need to be having more children pass standardized tests. I think otherwise though, I think these classes are just as important, especially for young children. At that age it is hard to keep them sitting still all day and have their mind drilled with all this information that they need to memorize for tests. Half an hour to an hour everyday should be allowed for them to go to music, art, and gym. There they can run off some energy or express themselves through music and art. We make children sit in a classroom for a great amount of time at such a young age and we have to understand they have to be allowed to let out some energy sometimes and this is what theses classes allow them to do. These classes aren't all about drilling knowledge into their head and making them memorize it for a test. These classes are especially important for children who may struggle more in the core classes, such as math but excel in art and music. When they are in the art and music classroom and the teacher acknowledges their outstanding work it gives them confidence in themselves and their ability. This job also should not be left up to the teachers who teach the core subject but instead someone who has a passion in art or music. This is why they became a music or art teacher so they could share their joy of it with students. I found an article that talks about many of the facts I have just stated that I think it interesting. The article also goes into a little more detail about how some schools in Florida are mandating time for students to have physical activity. http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-06-07/news/fl-art-music-pe-20100607_1_physical-education-electives-core-academic-subjects I understand budget cuts have to be made when schools aren't doing very well but I don't think the children should have to suffer from it by taking away time for them to be creative or active and let out some energy.
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I really do think it is a shame that our schools are not getting enough funding in order to promote these types of classes. I think any person that has been in primary school, which is all of us, can remember a time when a half hour seemed like forever, especially when your teacher was rambling off about addition or spelling. Everyone can remember how hard it was to sit still and the antsy feeling of thinking about how soon it was until lunch or recess. It is hard to think that young students will retain or be interested in any of the information they are being taught when they are in this state of mind. That is one reason why I totally agree with you and believe that physical activity and the arts should be worked into the curriculum. Also, some children simply are not interested in learning about the "core subjects" because their strengths lie in other areas and they need to experience these other subjects so that they can feel a sense of accomplishment. Everyone knows that people are diverse, no one is the same and they must experience all areas of academia to become a well rounded individual. This is especially important as a young student so that they can gain the confidence they need to be well-established learners in their future schooling lives. Plus, everyone can agree that "specials" subjects are fun and we all need to have a little fun, especially when we're working hard. These subjects, I strongly believe, are vital to a student's success and must be not seen as an extra, but as another part of the whole academic experience.
ReplyDeleteThe "specials" are a way for students to learn in unconditional methods. They learn history, methods and terms in the subjects (art, music, physical education, etc) but they also learn confidence and alternative thinking methods. If a student paints a pictures and the teacher says, "Wow! What a great use of complementary colors and short brush strokes! Just like a professional painter!" The student basically hears, "You're has great a painter as a professional!" and thus, confidence is planted in the student. They feel that they can achieve and they are inspired to keep doing so. These is especially noticeable in "specials" because students don't typically see "specials" as learning experiences. Kind of a "teach them while they aren't expecting it" method! ;) Taking these classes away will only hurt our society in the long run. These key alternate ways of thinking will not be taught and there will be less opportunities for children to feel that joy of success.
ReplyDeleteAmanda and Megan I really like your comments. Megan I like how you said it is like a seed of confidence that is planted in their mind about them being good at something. I think this is really important to so every student can find their niche. If they take these special away I think some students are really going to struggle in school. This is especially true if they don't like the core subjects
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