Expression Through Art

Can art therapy help children's behavior and self-esteem? A study began in 2002 in the UK says yes. In a recent article, I read about the many benefits of the art school and the Art Room. I was not surprised about what the studies found, I was surprised that someone finally figured it out. I have always believed that art and a creative environment was the key to children's development and growth, so I am happy that they are finally figuring this out.

Ever since I was young, I loved art and drawing and painting. It helped me express things that I felt as if I couldn't express in words. It often calmed me down when I got upset or angry. I was also say that I was and still am a fairly well behaved child (or at least that's what I like to believe). Also, a lot of my friends that enjoyed art class and art in general when I was young were also well behaved children. I am not saying that there is necessarily a cause-effect situation, but just from my experiences, it has always seemed to have some sort of correlation, and now studies are out that prove it.

As the article explains, the art schools set up for behavior are all located in the UK. Because they have been proven to be successful, I think that they should be set up around the world. The amount of kids that could be helped would be amazing, not to mention the teachers and parents. My mom is a teacher and she has to deal with unacceptable behavior from her students all the time, and I'm sure that the parents and guardians struggle to deal with it too. If there were art schools set up in every country, where students that struggle could get the help that they need, it could result in a lot less stress for many. It is something that cannot happen at home, it needs to be done at a school with trained professionals. But if kids around the world had access to these schools, then they could shape their behavior and be helped not only in school but for the rest of their lives, in jobs and interactions with others.
The research they have done is great and useful, if they use it. They have discovered things that could be helpful and could be applied around the world to help children not only in the UK but everywhere. They could also apply their research into regular schools, helping to make schools a creative environment so that children feel like they can express themselves in more effective ways.

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