my expressive arts research

There are a great number of skills that pupils will learn through expressive arts that are also a benefit to society in general. Physical Education teaches children about fitness, control, stamina, nutrition and what they can do to help look after their bodies. “Physical education should provide all children with opportunities to develop life-long positive attitudes to health and fitness” (5-14 document 1992 page 3) With the currently high number of people in the UK who are obese or over weight then this is an extremely useful and worthwhile educational area to have. “In the <st1:country-region><st1:place>UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> 66% of adults are now overweight or obese. Obesity is also rising among children, in the past then years obesity among six year olds has doubled (to 8.5%) and trebled among fifteen year olds (to 15%).” (R Hicks 2005 page1) Physical education does not just promote physical health, it can play a part in helping with mental health, as exercise is a good stress reliever as it increases serotonin production, a lack of which can cause depression. Emotional well-being can also be fostered through the relaxing qualities of music and art. All four of the expressive arts areas encourage children to be active participants and ask questions, rather than being passive. For example by discussing their views and opinions of a piece of art work, and asking why others feel differently about it, this means children have developed skills in becoming more tolerant of others ideas, beliefs and feelings. These are skills which would be useful in any work place. The expressive arts also aim to help children develop confidence in problem solving and sharing their views. The attainment outcomes for expressive arts look to give children opportunities in using materials, techniques, skills and media, expressing feelings, ideas thoughts and solutions and evaluating and appreciating. These are skills that in the work place would be of great benefit. Expressive arts benefit society in general by encouraging children to consider moral and ethical issues, for example by role play in drama. Difficult issues can be explored deeply through drama and encourage young people to empathise with others. Society can see children who through the expressive arts have developed communication skills, verbal and nonverbal, and self concept. “The expressive arts aid both written and spoken communication and enhance social development.” (Huntinger, P. 2004 page 1)<o:p></o:p>


In conclusion it can be clearly seen that where children are allowed the opportunity to participate in all of the expressive arts then there are huge benefits to the child’s emotional, social and physical development, not only through the expressive arts alone but also when learning is linked to other curricular areas. It has also been shown the personal disadvantages, which children can suffer, when not given the chance to participate in these, with confidence, discussion and expression skills all at risk. It is therefore highly beneficial to society when children have had an education that includes the expressive arts, as they are much better equipped to communicate, collaborate, deal with difficult issues that may arise and look after their physical and emotional well-being for life.