Social Influence Of The Arts Analysis

This essay argues that the arts should be central to primary education. Through dance, drama, media arts, music and visual arts, children are surrounded by the arts. Whether at home, school or in the community, as children listen to music, attend plays and concerts, celebrate birthdays with music, colour and games and express themselves through voice, gestures and body movement, they are engaging in the arts (Russell-Bowie, 2012). Throughout history the arts such as dancing and paintings have been used as a form of expression, communication and a way of understanding passions, jealousies and enduring conflicts (Dinham, 2014). Smith (2009) explains years of research establish that Arts education is linked to virtually everything that we say …show more content…
The study of artists work and the cultural products of various societies support a student’s sense of community and connectedness (Dinham, 2014). The arts encourage cross-cultural communication and teach acceptance towards those who are different (Jeanneret, n.d.). Kennedy (2010) suggests that using stories, poetry, drama, puppets, songs, drawing and paintings photographs to help children explore the ideas of ‘home’, ‘family’ and ‘community’ to help children learn about and be respectful toward cultural diversity. Young Audiences of San Diego (n.d.) explain the Arts expose young people to variety of culture and viewpoints, fostering ethnic pride and interracial understanding. Arts education should focus on what the Arts can offer all children, not just the talented (Ewing, 2010). Eisner, (1998) argues that at the core of arts education is the development of the students ' ability to create art or, as some might say, art-like creations. Arts education should refine the student 's awareness of the aesthetic qualities in art and life and should enable students to understand that there is a connection between the content and form that the arts display and the culture and time in which the work was created (Eisner, …show more content…
In an authentic arts education approach, comprehensive learning experience should provide students with the opportunity to explore and develop ideas and use their imagination, make and present well-crafted artworks to express their interpretations, reflect on their ideas, artwork and others artwork and connect the activity to the wider world by learning about arties and the artworks of various cultures. For the arts to be taught effectively in the primary classroom, lessons need to be planned with consideration being given to effective communication, classroom behaviour management strategies and appropriate assessment techniques (Russell-Bowie, 2012). A student-centred, hands-on approach to learning in a positive and stimulating learning environment is necessary for effective arts education (Dinham, 2014). All students, interests, needs, cultures, past experiences, knowledge and previously developed skills need to be considered and students should all feel challenged and successful. There should be a relationship built on trust and respect, where artistic interpretation and expression are valued (Russell-Bowie,