Great article from our Guest Author,
Lillian Brooks
learningdisabilities.info
How the Arts
Benefit Children with Learning Disabilities
Children
who have learning disabilities often struggle with academics, but they may be
able to excel in the arts. According to Nancy Bailey, a former special
education teacher, the arts can lead them to a job in the industry if they have
been exposed to a quality program. Additionally, Psychology Today reports that
there is growing evidence these arts can
help a child develop language and related skills. And the arts can also help
kids with special needs improve their self-esteem.
Creative Arts Programs for Your Child
Those
are good reasons to enroll your child in an arts program, but which one is best
for your child? That depends on his or her interests. Seek local organizations,
companies, and teachers that offer classes for kids with special needs in your
area.
Dance
Dance
is a great way to help children express themselves, especially those who are
nonverbal or struggle with expressive speech. According to parents interviewed
in this article for San Diego Family,
dance can help learning-disabled children with:
●
Socialization
●
Body awareness
●
Self-expression
Today,
more and more dance schools are offering classes for kids with disabilities.
Dance teacher Lee Casuscelli says, “Emotionally, dance stimulates the ‘feel
good’ endorphins through the incorporation of music and self-expression. It is
a way to mix socially with other people in a fun-filled, relaxed environment.”
Music
Music
is a natural choice because most kids like some form of it. According to Connolly Music, learning a musical
instrument can:
●
Benefit
cognitive development
●
Improve
physical impairments, allowing a child to develop strength and dexterity
●
Help
kids who struggle with ADD and ADHD develop focus and concentration
While
we know that music can aid kids in memorization, research shows that music can
have a brain-building impact on your child. A study demonstrated the “Mozart
Effect:” that is, listening to Mozart seemed to improve the spatial IQ of test
subjects compared to other relaxation activities. In fact, music therapy,
especially classical music, can benefit kids with ADD, ADHD, and autism.
If
your child is interested in playing music, research the different instruments
available to them. And if their school has programs available, consider
enrolling your child in band or orchestra.
Theater
Kids
with learning disabilities may enjoy going to the theater, but did you know
that performing in the theater can also benefit them? That’s the mission of the
Miracle Project, a theater and film
program designed specifically for kids and adults with autism and all
abilities. With productions like musicals, plays and even a class called
“Improv for Interaction,” kids get the opportunity to overcome fears, gain life
skills, and “find their voice.”
Visual Arts
Kids
with disabilities can be adept or gifted in the visual arts. That’s because
thinking visually is often a strength they possess, according to Noodle.com. Visual arts can
encompass fine art, drawing, photography, digital art, and more, providing
children with lots of avenues to expand their skills.
Children
may also enjoy more practical and traditional forms of art. Crafts like
woodworking, knitting, and sewing can help improve dexterity, as well as
provide a meaningful pastime. Online sewing resources and knitting tutorials make it possible
to practice at home, but many local recreation centers and community colleges
offer courses in these art forms as well.
Expose Your Child to the Arts
Research
local programs that teach kids with learning disabilities the arts, but you
should also take a few additional steps to engage your child:
●
Expose
your child to the arts by taking them to programs and activities for kids with
special needs. For example, there are many films and live performances
tailored to those with sensory challenges.
●
Look
for art programming for children and try it out, with the caveat that you might
need to leave early or take long breaks. You might be surprised to discover
your child likes ballet or orchestra performances!
●
What
does your child like to do at home? Play music? Follow dance routines? Snap
photos? They might have a natural talent in any of these areas.
Today,
there are many opportunities to get children
with learning disabilities into the arts. It may even
create a future for them beyond your dreams.
For more information, go to learningdisabilities.info.
