Recent changes to primary school curriculum that emphasize and boost art education are a welcome change to regular art instruction on campuses across Singapore. However, to develop truly well rounded and excellently prepared young people, parents must take more of an active role in art education and beyond.
For many people, a greater importance is placed on academic success and achievement in science and math subjects. Any flair or talent for the arts is held secondary — if acknowledged at all. While it might be counterintuitive to place art above scientific academic pursuits, doing so from time to time will help young students become richer individuals. Understanding art, as well as having an aptitude for it, has a number of unexpected perks. Students with at least a rudimentary knowledge and experience in the creative world might be better able to express themselves in literature and language arts assignments. They might also be able to more creatively approach science and math topics in ways that might not have been previously accessible.
So where do parents come in to this arts education boost? When students come home excited about an art project, parents should be enthusiastic with the results. They should ask questions and react positively when students talk about the artistic information they gleaned from their studies. And parents should also decrease the emphasis on purely scientific and mathematical achievements. While aptitude in science and math is important, art imparts sets of additional skills, resulting in students becoming better rounded.
Parents can also encourage extracurricular learning geared more toward art. Art lessons are available from a number of sources, and parents can even roll their own sleeves up and get artistic right alongside their youngsters. Completing simple art projects together in the home can be a wonderful way for parents and children to bond, express their thoughts, and beautify their living spaces all at the same time.
Another possible art outlet that parents can pursue with their children is visiting an art museum. Singapore has a number of wonderful museums filled with inspiration for art appreciation. A family visit to National Gallery Singapore or any other galleries or venues would be an exceptional — and educational — way to spend a lazy weekend together.
If you’re struggling on ideas for bringing more art into your life, visit SGArtClass.com today. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive website full of art information, educational articles, discounted art supplies, and an extensive listing of art classes you can easily browse and enroll in. Whether you’re interested in oil painting or charcoal drawing, recycled art or 3-D sculpture, miniature painting or mural painting, there is surely an art class on SGArtClass.com that will unleash your creativity. Our expert teachers are skilled at leading instruction for students of all ages and abilities, meaning that you can get started on your creative journey today.
To read more about parents taking charge of their children’s art appreciation in Singapore, go to https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/parents-must-change-mindset-towards-the-arts.