Dear parents:

We are beginning and new year and I would like to speak to you about one aspect of the curriculum, the value of which is often questioned: art. Though enjoyed by all, art is often seen as play time, and it is often difficult to see its value, other than enjoyment. I would like to speak to you about the visual, music, and drama programs this year to show you my feelings about these important subjects.

Art is a part of the curriculum, and it is connected to other areas of the curriculum in both direct and indirect ways. As they are very motivating, the arts can be used as a vehicle to teach other subjects. When introducing units that may not peek the students’ interest, art can be used to motivate or hook students. Your child can use art to express their understanding of the content and concepts covered in other subjects. If we are doing a unit on structures and mechanisms, your child will explore these topics in art class as well. More directly, the arts introduce your child to forms of non-verbal communication, which with the increasing use of multimedia, and more importantly the increasing multi-cultural nature of our society are skills that are becoming ever more relevant.

The art program also helps your child developmentally. The fine motor skills required for music and visual arts assist your child in later writing skills. The activities in drama class assist your child in developing a better sense of locomotion and movement. The ability to listen and look with discernment will assist your child in their reading, math, and all other subjects as well, extending into high school. As well, the choices that are required of your child in producing artistic works will assist them in making similar creative and problem solving method in other classes.

The aspects of your child’s life that can be extended by art are not limited to such academic concerns either. Working through and with art, your child is able to learn how to make decisions on an individual basis, or when working in groups, in collective settings. Due the particularly interpretive nature of the arts, it is a subject in which there are no right or wrong answers, the field is open for interpretive – if you will pardon the pun – “play’; this situation provides a unique opportunity for your child to learn to take risks, to make judgments based solely on their opinion, and to be creative. The gains in self-esteem can be great.

Most importantly, the arts touch on more even more important issues facing all people, particularly in the 21^st century. Art and art interpretation will allow your child to be exposed to a variety of opinions and beliefs from a variety of cultures and historical periods. As said, this not only peaks your child’s interest in these subjects, but as well teaches them to widen their world-view, to be accepting of other opinions and interpretations, even of the same events. Finally, I will strive to construct this program in such a way that will lead your child into a life-long enjoyment of both practice and appreciation of the arts. It would be my pleasure if I were able to give this gift.

Shawn Lajeunesse