Art is often thought of as a hobby or a form of self-expression, but it can also be a powerful tool for building thinking skills.
Here are three ways that art can help to develop problem-solving, open-ended thinking, and a broader perspective on life:
- Art is an opportunity to create strong problem-solving skills. When making art, there is often more than one solution to the same problem. This allows the brain to practice problem-solving in a relaxed state, which is when the brain is most receptive to learning. Whether it's experimenting with different color combinations, trying out new techniques, or coming up with new ideas, the process of making art requires the brain to work flexibly and creatively.
- Art stimulates open-ended thinking. This type of thinking is crucial for creativity, which is at the heart of problem-solving. By working on an open-ended problem, art can teach us how to think creatively and come up with our own solutions. When faced with a challenge, open-ended thinking allows us to find the most personal and satisfying answer.
- Art supports a bigger view of life. Whether it's a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, or a song, art has the power to tell stories and create imagery that helps us understand and process the world around us. Through art, we can experience different perspectives, emotions, and cultures, which can broaden our minds and deepen our empathy. By looking at art, we get an opportunity to see and feel the world in a way that can't be achieved by reading facts or figures.
So, you see, art is a powerful tool for developing thinking skills, and art-making should be seen as an important and valuable activity, whether in school or in our personal lives. Encourage and participate in the creation of art, whether it is drawing, painting, sculpting, or singing, and see how your child’s thinking process will improve.