Learning, Arts and the Brain

Submitted by: Lois Frazier, Monart School of Art - Keller

I recently requested a copy of a new Dana Consortium report on Arts and Cognition. Basically, it’s a comprehensive report on the science of how creative arts interplays with our cognitive functions and growth patterns for elementary and middle school students. This interesting report is supported by more than 250 neuroscientists and the progress of brain science.

This scientific study found a direct correlation between different art forms and how they influence attention span development and improve cognitive functions.

For instance, students who show an interest in music training have better abilities to memorize and strengthen their cognitive abilities. In addition, musical training and geometry can be enhanced when training in music is intensive and prolonged. There is also a direction correlation to increased reading comprehensive and fluency. Whereas exposure to visual arts can have strong influences in children’s math and calculation abilities.

Art training influences the attention control needed in paying close attention. The brain is like any other muscle, it needs a concentrated effort to exercise. Whatever your environmental or genetic makeup, the root differences of how we process and learn makes us all unique. Get your kids involved in the arts. Your child’s brain functioning architecture development is at stake. Find an interest in the arts whether that be music, dance, art, or theater and let them fly.

Dana Consortium website: www.dana.org