Top 10 Skills Children learn from Performing Arts

Top 10 Skills Children learn from Performing Arts

2015 is a very exciting year in our Jigsaw calendar as we look back over the past 20 years that we have been offering Performing Arts classes to 3-18 year olds. Reflecting on this, we have come up with our top 10 skills children learn from performing arts:

1. Creativity

Being able to think on your feet and think ‘outside the box’ will distinguish your child from others. If children have practice thinking creatively and approaching tasks from different perspectives then it will start to come naturally to them as they grow up and for their future career. In drama you might be asked to recite a monologue in several different ways and approach the character from different angles, thus challenging your child to use their own creative input.

2. Confidence

The skills children learn through performing arts not only train them in how to convincingly deliver a message, but also help them build the confidence they need to take command of the stage. Performing Arts classes give children the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and allow them to make mistakes and learn from them in the safe environment of a rehearsal room.

3. Problem Solving

Solving problems is a skill that we use in all aspects of life. In the drama room you’re often asking “How will my character react to this situation?” and without even knowing it you’re consistently being challenged to solve problems. All this practice problem solving develops children’s skills in reasoning and understanding which is useful for success in any career.

4. Perseverance

When a child learns a new skill they know that they won’t be able to master it straight away. However they begin to see that if they practice, learn the skills and techniques required and don’t give up then they will get much closer to achieving their goal. In an increasingly competitive world, perseverance is essential to achieving success.

5. Focus

The ability to focus is a key skill developed through ensemble work. Keeping a balance between listening and contributing involves a great deal of focus. Recent research has shown that participation in the arts improves children’s abilities to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives.

6. Non-Verbal Communication

Through experiences in Performing Arts, children learn to break down the mechanics of body language and understand how movement communicates different emotions. They then apply these skills to ensure they are portraying their character effectively to the audience.

7. Receiving Constructive Feedback

Receiving constructive feedback about a performance is a regular part of any performing arts training. Children learn at a young age through this that feedback is a useful part of learning and it’s not something to be offended by or taken personally.

8. Collaboration

Most arts disciplines are collaborative in nature. Through the Performing Arts, children practice working together, sharing responsibility and compromising with others to accomplish a common goal. They soon begin to understand that their contribution is valuable to the success of the group and it gives them the confidence to embrace this, especially when they’re a part of an ensemble.

9. Dedication

When children get through the rehearsal process and finally reach the day they get to perform in their show or presentation, they learn to associate dedication with a feeling of accomplishment. They develop healthy habits of being on time for rehearsals and performances, respecting the contributions of others and putting effort in to ensure success for the final piece. The reward for this dedication in Performing Arts is the warm feeling of an audience’s applause and this makes it all worthwhile.

10. Accountability

When children practice creating something collaboratively they get used to the idea that their actions affect other people. As mistakes are a regular part of the process of learning in the arts, children begin to see that mistakes happen. We acknowledge them, learn from them and move on!

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18.  Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page.