by Erica Johns | May 25, 2018 | Art, Fine Arts Friday
I’m sure you’ve heard how arts education is being cut from school budgets all over the US. For many home educators, this is one of the things they appreciate so much about the freedom they have to prioritize educational and enrichment opportunities for their children. I was contacted by Neve Spicer, founder of We The Parents, and she was kind enough to share this short article and her infographic with us.
~Erica
Arts Education in schools is being backed towards a cliff edge.
In a bid to save the Arts, educators are trying to demonstrate that they enhance outcomes in non-art subjects. Yet, while it seems they do, studies rarely prove this beyond all reasonable doubt. The upshot is that, under pressure to funnel dwindling resources into core “academic” subjects (ie, math, literacy, and science), many schools are positioning Arts Education on the chopping block.
It’s time to take a stand!
Firstly, there is growing evidence that learning arts does improve academic achievement. But more importantly, the question must be asked: is the purpose of the Arts Education simply to boost academic results?
Emphatically, no!
Immersed in arts, kids experience the world and themselves in a different way. They often discover a lifelong passion, develop a sense of self and identity, grow in confidence, and envision a world beyond their immediate environment.
It’s vital that we reframe the case for Arts Education.
This visual guide by We The Parents helps to do this by highlighting 51 diverse ways in which Arts Education rewards children. It is clear that learning arts cultivates cognitive abilities, nurtures positive character traits, and fosters critical thinking. As you’ll see, many of the benefits span ages, genders, and socio-economic divides; some last a lifetime; and all are backed up by studies.
There’s never been a more important time to communicate the importance of Arts Education. Scientific studies struggle to capture the subtle yet profound ways in which the arts transform lives. And so, the impetus is on us – we who experience the positive impact first-hand – to share our story and to shout about it even louder.
~Neve Spicer, founder of We The Parents
by Erica Johns | May 2, 2018 | Spring Fling Giveaways
We are having so much fun this week with a big Facebook Party full of giveaways! In fact, there are hundreds of dollars worth of prizes being given away, and I don’t want you to miss a thing.
Since I know some folks couldn’t be at the live party for the entire time, here’s a list of all the freebies and giveaways that you can enter between now and May 8, 2021. (I’ll be choosing winners on May 9, so actually you’ve got until I start working my way through all these posts to remove the giveaway sign up!)
FREEBIES!
Get the current Fine Art Pages freebie from Enrichment Studies here
FREEBIE: Stories of the Pilgrims audio book from Jim Hodges
GIVEAWAYS!
ABC Animals in Art
Ancient Egypt Fine Art Pages
CalcuLadder
Carole P. Roman books
Circle C Adventures (2 different giveaways, freebies, special offers)
Daily Art: 2 winners
Enrichment Cards giveaway
One Year All-Access Pass
RATATAZ Science Kit
Sound Bites
Take Time for Art
The Long Shadow book giveaway and freebie
by Erica Johns | May 2, 2018 | Spring Fling Giveaways
I’m a longtime fan of Julie Bogart from BraveWriter, and the poetry teatime concept, so I’m thrilled to be able to give away one copy of this lovely poetry collection!
This full-color illustrated book includes 52 hand-picked poems to make your poetry teatimes a success year-round!
One winner. $26.95 value. US addresses only.
Giveaway will be open through May 6, 2018.
Winner is CHeri H.
by Erica Johns | May 2, 2018 | Spring Fling Giveaways
Learn more about this book at Amazon. (This is my referral link)
This sweet hardcover book takes the reader on a journey through many different ways that we see and experience love in life–from our parents watching over us as we sleep, to family gatherings and traditions, to weathering the hard and uncertain times in life. If you’re especially interested in books that show a variety of cultures, colors, customs of people, you will appreciate this. I ended up with an extra copy of this, so now will enjoy sending it on to a new home. One winner, US Addresses only. $14.76 value. Giveaway is open through May 6, 2018.
Winner is Christy W
by Erica Johns | May 1, 2018 | Spring Fling Giveaways
If you’re looking for a motivating, fun, and effective Spanish program for your children, you are going to love this! Excelerate Spanish teaches through immersion experiences via DVDs. I got this collection several years ago for my kids, and then of course what did they want to learn? French. lol So this wonderful set has been sitting on the sidelines, and now it’s waiting for a new home!
Set includes
-2 lesson books
-4 student workbooks
-1 answer key
-DVD discs 1-4
-and a copy of Daily Spanish for Dummies
Over $150 value, and perfect for families with up to 4 students!
One winner will be chosen. US Addresses only. Giveaway will be open through May 6, 2018.
WInner is Tiffani W
