The pressures for children to succeed academically are greater today than ever so parents are tuning in to unique ways to help their kids have an enjoyable yet productive school year.  There are many simple, effective things parents can do to enhance their child’s confidence level, attitude and academic performance.

Fun, interactive, artistic exercises that promote creativity and involve brain storming can help children succeed in the classroom. Here are some artistic activities can help children succeed in the school:

1. Reduce the stress factor in your kids’ lives.  Provide a quiet area where your child can go to decompress from the school day.  Have art materials and simple household items available in a workspace area away from the TV or noisy siblings so your child can relax by doing an easy art activity.

2. Balance academics by introducing a “right brain” extracurricular activity.  Allow children to exercise their right brain after a day of left-brain school academics.  Right brain activity is stimulated by new events or activities, working with different colors, shapes and sizes as well as listening to music. 

3.  Develop and nurture creativity.  Art is just one of the many creative activities that can help children improve cognitive development, strengthen communication, expressive skills and boost reasoning and organization skills.  By being able to explore their creativity, children can exercise skills which can strengthen their academic abilities and success in school.

4.  Allow children to make mistakes.  Children often fear ridicule from their peers if they make a mistake.  Unfortunately this same fear inhibits creativity and creative problem solving.  Allowing your child to experiment with art also allows them to take a risk and experience the creative process.  This skill will serve them well in their academic pursuits.