Introducing Children With Learning Disabilities to the Arts and How It Helps Them

by Tilda Moore

Being involved in the arts can help children with learning disabilities overcome challenges they face with traditional education. Additionally, it provides them with a creative outlet to express and serves as an effective medium to learn. This guide created by Red Shoes Rock explores how to involve your child in the arts and the benefits it provides.

Here are the various type of arts your child can partake in:

• Dancing – Does your child have a favorite singer or music group? You’re sure to find a dance tutorial of their songs online. Encourage your child to dance along with the video and join in with them. If they show interest, it could become their favored activity of the day.

For example, through dancing, your child can develop the ability to comfortably express emotion, improve balance and coordination. Additionally, being an intensive activity helps physical development and improves endurance and fitness levels.

You can consider enrolling your child in a dance class if comfortable with the idea. By engaging in dance as a group, they will learn social skills and read body language.

• Painting or Drawing – Introducing your child to these activities is simple. Demonstrate to them the basics of how to use crayons or paints and let their imagination go wild. As they paint they will develop an understanding of colors, patterns, and textures.

Next, you can encourage them to mimic fruits, toys, or even scenery items. This helps build spatial understanding, development of motor skills, and size and depth perception, as reported by The Artful Parent.

• Crafts – Engaging in craft can provide similar benefits as painting or drawing. Additionally, it can be used as an effective medium to teach mathematical concepts such as angles, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and more.

A child with a learning disability might find it difficult to grasp these concepts through problems given in textbooks. But, craft encourages them to be hands-on and make it simpler to understand concepts.

• Music – As an activity that requires concentration, and the ability to multi-task it contributes immensely towards your child’s cognitive development. According to Learning Potential, music aids in developing the left side of the brain which is responsible for language and reasoning skills. Moreover, a common advantage of playing an instrument is strong hand-eye coordination which can benefit your child in other aspects of life too.

Music can also be used as a suitable learning medium, as it is easier for children to remember information when presented as a tune. A well-known example is the alphabet song. You can adopt the same method towards teaching multiplication tables, history lessons, science concepts, and more.

Irrespective of the art form your child chooses, Bright Horizons explains the importance of showing your support to build their self-confidence. For example, if your child has shown interest in painting, collect their art pieces and frame them around the house. You can also organize an art show by inviting friends and family. Similarly, if they are a part of a dance or music group, make it a point to attend their practices and shows.

You can also pair permanence with your dedication to your child’s new world in art by creating a dedicated space in the home, whether a studio for dance or music or a workshop for painting and crafts. Adding this area as an update to your home can make good financial sense as well, as multi-use rooms can add to a home’s appraisal value; they’re much in demand among homebuyers who can fashion the space to their own likings, such as a home office or gym.

Once your child is involved in the arts, you will notice a positive difference in mood, confidence, and physical development. If this encourages you to help other kids with a learning disability, you can choose to start your own teaching classes. Utilizing your experience and knowledge, you will make a significant difference in the lives of each family you work with.

As a tip, make sure to register your teaching business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Hire a formation service such as ZenBusiness to handle all paperwork, regulation, and document submission in your state to allow you to focus on your business.

Art is a beautiful medium that helps children’s cognitive and physical development with learning disabilities. As a parent, take the initiative to expose them to various art forms and support them in expressing their creative side.

Red Shoes Rock is the global voice for prenatal alcohol exposure, raising awareness and giving voice and support to those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Contact us today for more information or to join the cause!