The resurgence of crafts and art due to the Covid-19 lockdown is exhilarating. Crafts and art are alright to delve into now. I say this cynically, because of some of our educator’s attitudes towards these subjects. There are some that feel these subjects are of little importance to a child’s development. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Today I had an experience I want to share. I went to a store that carries craft and art supplies to purchase some paper. Yes, some brick and mortar stores do still exist. The clerk actually apologized for some out of stock items that are an everyday staple in their store. Too, there were empty areas on the shelves that were lacking product. She further continued telling me there was a surge on purchasing supplies, because many children are at home now.
Even though what I needed was out of stock, I was elated to hear this good news not only for the store, but also that children were having an art or craft experience at home. Maybe, just maybe there is a realization on the importance, the challenge, and the fun of creating. That some educational institutions have eliminated these subjects from their school’s curriculum is unfair and a disservice to any child.
I only hope that when life mellows out, some of our educators will have a change of heart. Hopefully they will realize the importance of implementing these subjects to their curriculum and that they will understand teaching these subjects aids in a child’s development in a positive way. Self expression is a significant building block aiding in the confidence and in the shaping of ideas for a child.
Patricia C. Bischof
I am an artist, writer and teacher.
11/09/2020
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November 28, 2020 at 4:01 PM
In my job I use those art and craft skills. (Employee Development Specilast)
November 28, 2020 at 4:36 PM
Well stated by Patricia B re the need for art back in our schools. Our children will not necessarily have the words to express themselves around the present issues. It’s a scary world right now and none of these kids asked for it nor deserve it but if we as taxpayers insist that the schools use our money to provide our children with a healthy outlet then we are the adults they can look up to.
November 28, 2020 at 4:37 PM
I agree. Art should be taught more. No matter the skill level, art is important. My neighbor collected Picasso (7 originals.)
November 28, 2020 at 4:48 PM
Patricia’s knowledge and experience regarding the value of art education in children’s lives can’t be ignored. Her message is convincing that art education must remain available to children, especially during pandemic.
November 28, 2020 at 8:25 PM
The Arts is what is saving us through the pandemic. And yes, research has shown over and over again how we need to stimulate all areas of our brain- how important non-verbal creating is to healthy brain development.
Thank you for making this point.
November 28, 2020 at 9:30 PM
I believe the problem isn’t simply with educators, I think it is the whole process of teaching to the test-instead of realizing the importance of arts and crafts in the growing minds of children, it has more to do with the curriculum that the government uses as a measurement of educational success.
I agree with Patricia, the Covid crisis has definitely showed us, as a society, what we our souls crave-art, music, faith and even sports-these building blocks in education are intangible to the testing curriculum but essential to the mind and how we feed the soul.
Thanks Patricia for a great article.
November 29, 2020 at 10:54 AM
I believe what Patricia B.and several others have noted in their replys is correct! Those of us that are older and were given the opportunity to appreciate for ourselves the arts and the benefits they afford us are really lucky due to the teachings and support we received from school, our parents and society as a whole. It is glorious to be able to understand what you are seeing and hearing and be able to enjoy and partake in the wonders that are offered.
November 29, 2020 at 11:20 AM
I wholeheartedly agree. My son loves to draw, and fortunately for my family, this self expression is encouraged at his school. We are grateful for his teachers that try to implement some art and crafts into some of his school work (such as having them draw out pictures for their vocabulary), but I do wish they had an actual art class structured in at least weekly. Then kids would be able to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and beautiful medium.
November 30, 2020 at 9:16 AM
Children and Art.
During these strange days, a lot has been said and written about the importance of art amidst social and economic crisis. However, it has great importance to children of all age groups during this pandemic.
Art has its main value and its ability to humanize us.
It is an “Essential Tool “ to provide us with a sense of perspective.
Patricia is correct in stating the importance of education with Art . This will provide our children with the necessary tools to promote well being.
May these times of social distance and over connection with technology show us strongly the importance of our young the artist in our society today and future generations.
Respectfully
November 30, 2020 at 1:13 PM
I enjoyed reading your point of view on the subject matter you know so well!
December 1, 2020 at 9:24 PM
As a parent, I appreciate this article. Resonates beautifully. Besides, the author has taught art to my children. She believes what she has written!
December 2, 2020 at 5:19 PM
Patricia is passionate about her art and always willing to share her knowledge and joy of the subject
December 3, 2020 at 7:42 PM
It’s a paradox that we see science as the route to solveing our pandemic issues when art is just as important to the healing process.
Patricia, you are a healer.
December 6, 2020 at 10:46 AM
Art definitely allows for self-expression and self-awareness. We come to appreciate art in a variety of ways: how we select the colors in our clothes, how we cook and make pastry, how we choose to furnish and decorate our home; how we style our hair. I realize that I am making art by tapping into my Creative Energy which dwells in each of us. Recently I read that by including art in my daily life, it can help me become better at something that I would never have considered remotely artistic. Thank you Patricia for making me aware of how important art is in my life.
December 7, 2020 at 12:22 PM
Glad to look on the bright side of unavailable art supplies in a brick and mortar store. I can picture all those supplies in children’s homes, hopefully allowing for some creative expression during these difficult times. Love Patricia’s textured floral art as well. I see hope and optimism in both Patricia’s art and writing.
December 13, 2020 at 7:58 PM
In past hard economic times and war, the government has cut back on many services. I was surprised in the last economic crises that one of the main services that did not see the chopping block was the performing arts. I was surprised at this thinking that the Arts would be the first to go. I then asked myself, “Why would this be?” Then finding that in maintaining our health, the most important and number one priority is mental health.
All kinds of art stimulate creativity, innovation and is directly related to higher academic scores, emotional stability, and a sharpened brain. These are a necessity for our survival especially in times of war and strife. The right and the left brain meet. To expect academics to be taught only to me is an abombination and promotes even the highest achievers to burn out.
As Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is greater than knowledge.” I totally agree. Thank you Patricia!
December 24, 2020 at 3:59 PM
My kids were lucky enough to attend a school where art and music were taught. I think that it has helped shape them into the wonderful young men they are growing into. There are studies that show the importance of music and art in our lives. I was glad to read a blog post that stresses how important they are.