Many people believe that children should be encouraged to develop their creativity through arts and music. They state that such subjects allow children to express themselves and to think imaginatively, as well as to develop emotional intelligence. Creative activities promote self-confidence, develop concentration, and serve as a constructive release for stress. In today’s fast-changing world, originality and problem-solving are highly prized skills; hence, from an early age, nurturing creative potential will witness the child excel in all walks of life not merely in any artistic venture.
Conversely, some people feel that art and music do very little in teaching children for real life. They feel children must be taught more of maths, science, and technology, which arguably lead to more steady careers and good business. So, this school of thought regards arts subjects as altogether of lesser importance and even as sidelines from “serious” learning.
Personally, I believe that there are benefits to both, and there is no need to choose one over the other. Academic subjects are important for technical knowledge and job skills, but the creative ones produce well-rounded persons who think critically, communicate well, and adapt to situations. Not all children would grow to be scientists or artists, yet an education welcoming creative and intellectual expression is beneficial to all of them.
Therefore, to truly nurture and develop a child’s intellect, arts, science, and other relevant subjects must form balanced grounds for his or her education.