Luckily for all of us, the arts benefits everyone, not only children; every age, race and spiritual beliefs. It opens doors to new worlds, new heights, new ways of communication and expression. Art functions as an alternative expression and communicative means, existing alongside language. I have the blessing of seeing how the spirit of a child rises when that child sees how he or she ‘did it by him or herself,’ everyday. Self-esteem comes from recognizing and using one's own strengths to succeed, every person has the capability to see that for themselves.
To me a successful project is the one when the child runs off overwhelmingly happy to show his or her accomplishment. Well deserved are the praises, because the child had to resolve and figure out how to achieve the look and feel assigned in the beginning. An art project is a problem to be solved from the conception in the mind. Choices are always available like deciding what color, what goes where and how? Promoting the ability to make choices. Individual responsibility is built through starting and finishing a project.
Nevertheless, it is healthy to express oneself. I focus on the process, not the product. During the process I lead the child into that special place all artists go when they are inspired. I believe that in this place one finds solutions and heals. I believe that it is here that my students with autism discover that they have a valuable tool in their hands for self-awareness and self-expression. Here they can express themselves without consequence. I teach them that in art, they are always right. Mind you, this does not mean there is no structure and rules to follow, but freedom of expression is vital.
In conclusion, the arts are so powerful, that used with consistency and appropriately, it is a tool that will stay with the children all their days. A tool that is constantly promoting problem solving skills and self-expression. Freedom to self-express allows for focus as it builds self-esteem. The arts requires full brain collaboration improving children’s development, and hence enriching the lives of all children, crucial for those with disabilities and their families.
In conclusion, the arts are so powerful, that used with consistency and appropriately, it is a tool that will stay with the children all their days. A tool that is constantly promoting problem solving skills and self-expression. Freedom to self-express allows for focus as it builds self-esteem. The arts requires full brain collaboration improving children’s development, and hence enriching the lives of all children, crucial for those with disabilities and their families.
"If students are to fully embrace the rich and diverse cultures of the world; if they are to live up to their full cognitive potential; if they are to be prepared for living and working in a technologically driven world; and if they are to live a life alive and wide-awake to the possibilities yet to come, this promise of the arts as basic education must be realized."
- Dee Dickinson
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