Art is a universal language. It’s joyful. It’s inclusive. It knows no boundaries. When children make art, they experience the unique satisfaction and joy that making art offers, along with the pleasure of doing, sharing and expressing themselves; while gaining skills that only the arts offer. Whether it’s, drawing, painting, building, clay or print making; art has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a school administrator, teacher or parent, here are 5 Ways Your Kids Are Winning with Art Class:

Social Development – Making art is uniquely human and allows children to explore and discover parts of themselves that are critical to their social and emotional development. Making art allows children to get in touch with their emotions, to express themselves, understand others, reflect on their work and learn from their mistakes. Time spent doing and learning about art helps us appreciate beauty, embrace diversity and value aesthetics.

Creative Outlet – Art is one of very few activities that offers children an outlet for creative expression. Unlike many of today’s passive activities, making art requires children to engage. It provides children a place and way to share themselves, to show what’s on their mind and to illustrate their ideas. Making art gives children a sense of power and the opportunity to share themselves in a way that matters. It tells them that they have a voice, a way to contribute, a way to impact the world.

Academic Performance – Art class is a highly visual activity that develops a unique set of abilities that profoundly affect academic performance. Along with stimulating and developing the right side of the brain, art helps visual learners, the majority of our student population, develop the visual aptitude they rely on to learn effectively. Art is absolutely critical to the success of visual learners.

Intellectual Development – Attention to detail, time on task and perseverance are core skills that under gird successful learning in all subjects. They are skills that are hard to measure, but essential to success. These skills are best developed through participation in a structured, enjoyable, multisensory activity. Art is just that type of activity and art class helps children develop learning skills in ways academic classes can’t.

Out of the Box Thinking – Participation in art class exposes children to new ideas and new ways of seeing things. As students learn about master artists, a variety of cultures and different ways to express ideas, they become more tuned into with their own ideas. Art helps children learn to think for themselves, consider multiple viewpoints and explore a wider range of possibilities, while providing a safe environment to explore and share their unique ideas.

All kids need art class. They need to dig in, get messy, express and explore themselves and the world around them. They need it to develop their minds and share ideas. I encourage you to celebrate the art programs in your school and your community and know that you are providing adventures and opportunities that are impacting your children in powerful ways.