Using processes different from traditional approaches, the arts and humanities provide children with unique methods for developing skills and organizing knowledge. Each arts and humanities discipline has its own distinct symbol system, whether it is nonverbal, as with music or dance, or uses language in a particular way, as with creative writing or oral history. Exposure to these alternate systems of symbols engages the mind, requiring analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application. The arts have the potential to enhance academic performance . The arts give youngsters a richer reservoir of information upon which to draw in pursuing other subjects, such as reading, writing, mathematics and history.
Drawing helps writing.
Song and poetry make facts memorable. Drama makes history more vivid and real. Creative movement makes processes understandable. By honing nonverbal skills such as perception, imagination and creativity, the arts also develop vocabulary, metaphorical language, observation and critical thinking skills. The elements of sound, movement, space, line, shape and color are all concepts related to other subject areas such as math and science.