How to (and Why) Get Children With Learning Disabilities Involved With the Arts

Approximately 14 percent of school-aged children in the United States have a disability, and about 5 percent have a learning disability. Since art therapy is known for positively impacting those with learning disabilities, introducing those children to the arts can be a wise move.

But many parents wonder exactly why art makes a difference and is the best approach for getting kids started. If you aren’t sure how to proceed or why art can help, artbeautydecor.com offers some great insights for getting children with learning disabilities involved with the arts and why it’s an excellent idea.

Arts for Children with Learning Disabilities and Why They Help

Music

Music isn’t just a form of self-expression; it can also improve children's sound processing, speech, reading, and math skills. When using an instrument, hand-eye coordination can also improve, as well as spatial awareness. It also often leads to improvements in attention and impulse control.

Plus, playing music can make children more confident. They’ll have a way to express themselves creatively and build a new skill, both of which can make them more self-assured.

Arts and Crafts

For children that prefer hands-on experiences, arts and crafts can be great options. There are a number of projects that could spark your child’s creativity. Drawing and painting require very little space but provide many benefits, including improved spatial awareness and motor skills. Building something can have a similar impact, as well as introduce geometry concepts in a fun way.

Theater

Theater arts can be excellent options for children with learning disabilities. They’ll have a safe space to explore emotional expression and unfamiliar situations. Plus, it helps them boost their social communication skills, making it easier for them to express themselves and connect with their peers.

For children who may have trouble reading or memorizing scripts, improv could be a better choice. It relies on creative thinking and innovation and doesn’t involve learning lines or following a preset path. As a result, it gives kids some freedom, which could be beneficial.

Dance

There are many reasons why dance can be a great introduction to the arts for children with learning disabilities. Overall, dance is active, giving them a way to release energy and reduce stress. Additionally, dancing may lead to increased cognitive performance and the development of new neural connections.

In some cases, dance may even serve as a level playing field for academically struggling children. They may have an easier time keeping pace with their peers, giving them confidence.

Carving Out Space in Your Home for the Arts

If you want to ensure that your child can enjoy the arts at home, carving out a space for those activities is wise. While this could be as simple as a desk set in a corner or an open spot in the living area, you may want to go the extra mile.

By fixing up an unused area of your home – like a spare room or unfinished basement – your child has a designated space for their creative endeavors. Plus, if you make the right improvements, you may boost the value of your home, too. Then, when it’s time to sell, your property appraisal will come out higher, allowing you to list for top dollar and increase your odds of making a solid profit.

WRITTEN BY 

Lillian Brooks

lillian@learningdisabilities.info