In this article I will briefly describe the link between creativity and human development.
Collectively, the world is beginning to recognize the importance of art as a core subject in primary education. A May 2005 Harris Poll commissioned by Americans For The Arts revealed that 93% of Americans agree the arts are vital to a well-rounded education for children. Researchers, educators, and the federal government have worked tirelessly to provide sufficient evidence that art studies are vital to a child’s mental and emotional development. The No Child Gets Left Behind Act strives to bring all students to a “proficient” level of academic performance regardless of race, disabilities, or financial background. NCLB encourages the belief that the integration of the arts in public schools will lead to higher student achievement and overall academic success. Art education plays a significant role in the benefit of every student’s personal, academic, and social development.
Emotional Intelligence is defined as the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. Much like academics, emotional intelligence is something that can be learned. Children often learn how to conduct themselves in the world by observing the behavior and language of those around them. By having an outlet for creative expression and time for reflection, children can develop reasoning skills and communicative ideas. A 2018 study done in Athens, Greece found that there is a direct link between creative activity and high emotional intelligence. The arts teach students social skills such as empathy, accountability, and self-control by providing them a safe environment to make mistakes and take risks.
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