Art education offers a palette of positive after school program choices for children

Abrakadoodle remarkable art is a proud national partner of the ninth annual Lights On Afterschool campaign (see http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/), which kicks off this week to celebrate what children can accomplish in quality after school programs and to emphasize the importance of keeping after school program lights on and doors open. Abrakadoodle programs across the country will help draw attention to the value of after school programs and will also celebrate the creative works of its after school participants.

Art education is a great after school option for children for so many reasons. Children are open and eager to learn in the hours that follow the school day. Programs like Abrakadoodle offer children the opportunity to de-stress and build their creative muscles. Art exercises the right side of the brain, which helps children see the big picture, perceive patterns and understand greater relationships. Educational researchers, authors and other experts are increasingly advocating for more emphasis to be placed on helping children develop their imaginations as an important component of healthy, whole-brain development. Quality art programs encourage children to produce original creations, which helps develop a sense of empowerment in children. Faced with budget cuts, some schools have cut back on visual arts enrichment, depriving children of this valuable and meaningful form of expression.

We know that art for kids can really make a difference. Laura Aka, Director of Abrakadoodle programs in Los Angeles, California says that she has had a few teachers share such comments made by young children in after school art classes as, “I love art and want to be an art teacher when I grow up!”

Whether children want to pursue a visual arts career or are interested in medicine, the environment or designing transportation systems of the future, art education can help prepare them by developing creative right-brain skills that are so beneficial across all professions.

Abrakadoodle supports keeping the lights shining brightly on after school programs!