The Importance of Art and Music

     When I was a young mom, I didn't realize the importance of allowing a child to be creative.  I was always concerned with how my home looked.  I wanted the kids to be neat and tidy.  Then I grew up, and my eyes were opened to the significance of art and music in the lives of my children.

     When we let our kids get messy and fully involved in an art project, they grow in many ways.  They realize that they can create so many things.  The possibilities are endless.  It gives our children a way of expressing themselves.  There is no wrong way or right way of doing things. 

      I've heard a few parents claim that their child is just not artistic. I have to say that it doesn't matter if they can draw a masterpiece or paint a perfect picture.  It is the experience of letting them be creative that helps them develop in many different ways.  

      When we allow our children to be creative in art class, it will spark their creativity in other areas of their lives.   They will be able to come up with new ways of handling situations that come up. They will be able to make plans that work for each circumstance. Being creative cultivates wise thinking and helps them to be able to carry out God's will for their lives.  

      We have always loved music in our home, but until recently I didn't understand that it can inspire my children to learn. I've noticed that when we play classical music quietly in the background as we study, it helps my kiddos focus more on their work.  It helps stimulate their brains.  It cultivates an atmosphere for learning.  

      Taking music lessons is important as well. It helps our children develop coordination and fine motor skills.  Music lessons will also encourage the character qualities of patience and perseverance . They will learn that it takes time to master an instrument.  They must work hard and practice daily.  We need to cheer them on even in the early stages where it can get frustrating.  

     I am working on being more and more creative in our homeschool.  We are allowing our creativity to spill over to other classes.  It's not limited to just art and music now.  It inspires us to discover new ways of obtaining knowledge. We find fun new ideas of studying the ordinary and it makes it extraordinary! My kids are retaining facts and test taking is a breeze. 

    One way we are taking our creativity to other subjects is by doing lapbooks and notebooking pages.  It has helped tremendously with our history and science classes.  They are no longer just reading "boring" facts.  It has taken our learning to a whole new level. It's fun for them.  They are able to see these subjects in a new light.  I love watching them learn in these fun new ways. It is not a chore anymore.  It is an enjoyable experience. 

    How do you get creative in your homeschool?  I would love to hear from you!