The presence of art in education is a topic that’s been debated for as long as we can remember.

However in recent years, there’s certainly been a shift in focus towards more ’employable’ subjects in the education sector. We often push subjects such as maths and science to the forefront due to their undeniable importance for our future.

But where does this leave art?

Well when it comes to child development, we need to address all the core areas, meaning that the stimulation of creative thinking is still vital, particularly for:

Social & Emotional Development

• Art in education can improve children’s communication skills and vocabulary.
• It can increase their ability to form and maintain relationships with adults and other children.
• Learning artistic techniques also helps children with the recognition and expression of feelings and emotion.

Cognitive Development

• Creativity helps with problem solving and abstract thinking skills.
• It can also improve the ability to approach new tasks and challenges with confidence.
• Art helps with the processing of visual information.
• It can heighten curiosity and interest, especially through experimentation.
• Studying art helps with critical thinking skills. In particular, the making and execution of mental plans and pictures.
• Innovation. Imagination is a necessity when it comes to thinking outside of the box.

Art in Boomerang School Planners

Each year here at Boomerang, we’re proud to say that we take design inspiration for our school planners from different artistic concepts. Our theme this year is Ancient and Traditional Art (see pg. 4 of the virtual planner).

We’re featuring 12 different ancient, traditional and tribal art styles from all over the world, from Aboriginal to Inca to Norse.

Children’s creativity is something to be valued.