It is hard to imagine a world without music, photography, paintings or pottery. Pursuing the arts is valuable in and of itself. Now parents and educators are learning that students who participate in music, visual or performing arts activities may see the benefits in the classroom.
While more research is needed, teams at Stanford University observed that students with musical training made faster gains in reading fluency than did students with no musical backgrounds. The study director attributes the difference to the music students’ careful listening skills.
Likewise, there seems to be a relationship between visual arts lessons and skill at math calculations, possibly because both activities involve recognizing patterns.
Summer is an excellent time to introduce and deepen children’s exposure to the arts. Many families use this time to visit museums and attend concerts or performances. Kids might use summer break to paint a mural, craft a sand sculpture or start a neighborhood band.
For those looking for additional arts activities, UNM Continuing Education offers a variety of fun classes. Children will explore Gesture Drawing with instructor Kerry Bergen, an experienced youth art educator. Other visual arts classes include Hands On Clay, Multi Media and Paper Mache and More.
From dancing to creating comic books, making masks or learning African drumming, kids will have a ton of fun while exploring their artistic interests in our summer day camps, Cool Characters and Rhythm, Rocks & Roll.
Summer is all about taking pictures. Kids and teens will enjoy photography classes and, for the first time we are offering Photography 101 for Parents & Kids ages 6-10. What a great opportunity to spend time together, see what your child “sees”, and learn to compose photos alongside your child or grandchild!
Want to introduce a child to an instrument from the inside out? Harmonica for Kids not only introduces kids to how to play a harmonica, but they actually take it apart to see how it works!
However the youngster in your life chooses to explore the arts this summer, celebrate his or her efforts! Frame their photo, listen to their concert and hang their masterpeice. Who knows? In addition to all that creative fun, it is possible that your child has built math or reading skills in the process.
You may register your kids for UNM Continuing Education Summer Youth programs online, in person or by phone. Call the Registration office at 277-0077.
Click here for more information about the Youth Program.
Click here to see our Summer Planner.
Questions?
Contact the Youth Program Supervisor at 277-0698 or email naomis@unm.edu.
