ten simple ways

Man teaching child to play a bongo drum (Photo)

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Learning in the arts enables every child to develop the critical thinking, collaborative, and creative skills necessary to succeed in today's ever-changing world.

But what if your child's school doesn't provide classes in art, music, dance, and theater? Here are ten simple ways that parents can get more art into their kids' lives:

  1. Participate

    Sing, play music, read a book, dance, or draw with your child at home.
     
  2. Support

    Encourage your child to participate in creative outlets and celebrate their participation in arts activities both in their school and the community.
     
  3. Go Read

    Visit your local library and read "the classics" together—from Mother Goose to Walt Whitman.
     
  4. Speak Up 

    Attend a school board or PTA meeting and voice your support for adequately funded arts education programs as part of the school’s budget. Brush up on the facts about arts education beforehand.
     
  5. Take The Lead

    Tell your child’s teacher or principal about how vital the arts are to quality education. Ask them what they need and how you can help!
     
  6. Think Local

    Read your local newspaper or community website to find out about local cultural events for you and your child to enjoy.
     
  7. Volunteer

    Donate time, supplies, or other resources to your child’s school or a local arts organization's education programs.
     
  8. Join The Cause

    Join our Cause campaign called "Keep the Arts in Public Schools." It’s free!
     
  9. Be An Advocate

    Show your support for arts education by speaking with education leaders and decision makers. For ways to take action, visit Americans for the Arts’ website.
     
  10. Stay Informed

    Keep up to date on the latest arts education news by subscribing to the RSS Feed on ARTSblog.