If the development of some kinds of knowledge and ways of experiencing the world is neglected or ignored in school instruction, then a primary goal of education is only partially fulfilled. All the arts literary, performing, and visual provide knowledge about the world and ways of experiencing it that contributes to an understanding that is unique and different from that gained through verbal and written language. Through experiences in art, theatre, music, and dance, children learn to express themselves in terms of their own ideas and feelings. All of the arts provide knowledge about the world. Because the arts convey knowledge and meaning that is not learned through the study of other subjects, they deserve to be a part of every child s education.
Every civilization records important ideas and events in the arts.