Visual arts help children to develop their imagination, and to learn problem solving skills. There is significant proof that students who participate in visual arts, become academically more successful. Not all people learn the same way: some learn audibly, others are visual learners, and others need a combination of both.
At Robins our children learn how to break down their subject into basic shapes, and then contour lines, removing what they do not need to create beautiful and realistic artwork. How does this relate to academics? By viewing the object of focus and breaking it down into both geometric and natural shapes, their brain automatically starts problem solving. Each time children draw geometric shapes, for instance, their minds record mathematical tasks. By using natural shapes, their imaginations are put to work.
Robins students learn about colors, different mediums, tools and great Artists, but they learn much more. Our students learn science, geography, art history and world history. They learn how art affects society and how society affects art. They learn different cultures.They learn about human bone and muscle structure, and animal science. The children use math skills with measurements and weighing. In the 2009-2010 school year the students in 2nd-5th grade went on a staged archeological dig on our playground to find artifacts. They made a grid and then dug the treasures up. They weighed and measured them, made scientific notations, and then drew what they found.
The students also learn some sign language in their art classes. This serves two purposes: one, to give them a language skill and two, it is easier for them to concentrate without a lot of verbal distractions. In 2010 students even learned
disability awareness by experiencing "fake disabilities" during art class!
Finally, at the end of the year Art Show, the students are asked to become the teacher and teach their family and friends what they have learned in art class. This is a fun and confidence building way for them to retain all they have learned.
*Example Art Lessons*
Disability Awareness through Art
Check out the End of Year Art Show
How is Visual Arts FUNDED?? You can help. 
