• Imagination
• Cognitive skills
• Creative abilities
• Problem solving
• Fine motor skills
• Language
• Social skills
• Sense of time and place
• Focusing
• Listening
• Risk taking
• Tolerance
• Uniqueness

Art education can play a major role in a child’s academic and social development.

Children who regularly participate in a comprehensive arts program are four-times more likely to be elected to class office; four-times more likely to be in a math or science fair, and four-times more likely to win an award for writing, according to research published by Americans for the Arts.

Parents  find that music and voice lessons for kids not only improve their children’s  memorization and small motor skills, but strongly contribute to the building of  their child’s self-confidence. This in turn helps children succeed not only in  music, but in school and other outside activities. Both children and their  parents find it truly rewarding when a child reaches a pre-set goal or
milestone; whether that is learning a new song, performing in front of others  or just finding enjoyment in music.

Adults in  their 20s and 30s see lessons as a creative outlet and something to help them  de-stress after a long day, as well as other health benefits of learning music. For many, music and voice lessons are the beginning steps of a career in live performance or recorded music. For others, music lessons are a way to express emotion or impress others with their new-found talents through a birthday, wedding, or special event performance.

People above a certain age find that music lessons for adults are a great way to stay mentally active. Many will resume lessons for an instrument they played in the past to polish up their skills while others are interested in learning something brand new and acquiring a special talent. Music is known to be therapeutic and a great way to keep one’s mind young!

Other benefits of music education

• Helps develop skills needed in today’s workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, teamwork, and confidence
• Keeps kids engaged in school and less likely to drop out while helping them achieve in other academic subjects like math, science, and reading
• Helps communities share ideas and values among cultures and generations

Quick facts about music lessons

According to a recent poll:

• More than half of U.S. households (52%) has at least one person, age 5 or older, who currently plays a musical instrument
• 85% of Americans believe that music is a very important part of their life
• 82% of Americans wish they had learned to play a musical instrument, and 67% expressed an interest in learning to play
• 94% of respondents believe music is part of a well-rounded education, and that schools should offer instrument music instruction as part of the regular curriculum
• 85% believe participation in school music corresponds with better grades and higher test scores
• Seniors are turning to music making as not just an enjoyable pastime, but also for the health and wellness benefits such as enhanced immune systems, stress reduction, and staving off depression and loneliness

If you want to wait until a child can go on their own to ballet lessons, then you will probably have to wait until the child is about four. Some classes exist for children as young as three, and a precocious child might be able to take ballet classes earlier. Much depends upon the maturity level of your child. For simple introductory courses, consider ballet lessons that focus on having fun  with a few ballet moves, rather than rigid instruction.

Ballet classes that focus more on technique than fun usually require the child to exhibit a certain level of maturity. The child should be able to take directions, pay attention, listen, and take mild criticism. These skills are not mastered in 3 or 4 year olds in most cases, though some children are exceptions. A child who really loves ballet may worship a teacher and offer his or her rapt attention to that teacher. These are often the children who go on to have careers in ballet, if their admiration and love matches their abilities.

In reality, most children will never get that far in ballet, but early exposure to fun courses can make them lifelong lovers of dance. There’s also nothing wrong with early introduction of good exercise concepts, which ballet lessons definitely emphasize. If you are looking for a fun, introductory class, stay away from the overly technical, rigid or harsh ballet schools that exist to create professional dancers.

Only a few children benefit from this type of teaching, which can cause loss in self-esteem and excessive concern about body weight. Other professional schools have much gentler methods of teaching ballet, and if you think your child might make a career out of ballet, look for teaching methods that are precise but empathetic. Ballet lessons should be geared toward the child’s age group, and should not have unrealistic expectations about childhood behavior.

Parents should investigate several ballet schools, and also introductory ballet lessons offered through local Performing Arts centers. Each class may specify age limits, or it may be up to the parent to decide if the child is mature enough to take a specific class. Considering the type of class and your child’s individual maturity are key. Also, weigh the child’s interest in ballet. A child who is not particularly fascinated with this form of dance may not enjoy ballet lessons, even if they are loosely structured.

Physical Benefits - Students build muscle strength while increasing flexibility. Young dancers develop a sense of balance and improve agility and coordination. Importantly, children also develop body awareness and learn correct posture.

These benefits extend beyond a student’s involvement with dance, helping youth involved in other disciplines, such as sports and martial arts. Studies have shown that physical activity helps children relieve stress and feel relaxed. It also is a great way to help your child develop a positive lifelong attitude about staying active and healthy.

Developmental Benefits - Dance classes are fun and a great way to meet new friends. Young dancers develop essential social skills through interaction with other students. Group choreography fosters teamwork, communication, trust and cooperation. Dance also has been proven to nurture important life skills, such as discipline and focus. Dancers naturally display confidence, self-esteem and poise. These skills are developed through participating in dance performances.

Artistic Benefits – One of the greatest benefits of dance is that it sparks a child’s imagination and nurtures individual creativity in a unique way. Dance classes share the joy of physical self-expression in a supportive and structured setting. This can have a positive impact on children who have limited physical abilities, who act out or who have a difficult time sitting still. Involving children in dance also teaches the basic elements of creative movement, such as time, space, rhythm and design.

While people may not be as familiar with modern dance as with ballet or jazz, modern dance in particular honors the creative  spirit and celebrates the individual. Modern dance does not simply conform to conventional movements, shapes and patterns. Instead, it requires the young dancer to learn movement from the inside out, nurturing the body and focusing the mind. This form of dance especially is welcoming to children of all shapes, sizes and genders.

There is one final reason to get your child dancing. Research proves there is a strong link between involvement in the arts and increased educational achievement. In fact, one study showed that “students who participate in the arts are not only more likely to participate in a math and science fair, but also out-perform their peers on the SATs by 87 points. These educational benefits are gained by students regardless of their socioeconomic status.

There’s sure to be a dance class that fits your child’s interests and your schedule, so why wait? Enroll your child in a dance class. The lessons she or he learns will last a lifetime.

The main focus in these classes is a presentation of the child on stage. It helps the child improve his confidence level. It also helps
them in learning to show their emotions, feelings as well as maintaining himself.

Acting classes for young people help them to develop skills. These skills are helpful for them throughout their lives. Some of the
benefits that your kid can gain from joining acting class are:

• Through these classes, a child improves his way of expressing things, showing emotions, and self-esteem.
• Acting classes helps in developing presentation skills that plays a major role in the life of a person.
• As children are asked to work together as a team and cooperate with one another, therefore, social skills are also improved.
• Social skills are heavily improved due to the fact that kids have to team up with others and work as a group.
• Classes for acting primarily focus on how to present yourself on stage. This is a major factor which helps a kid to develop self-confidence. It also helps the kid to express his feelings, share his emotions and is thought of as a healthy exercise to stay in shape.
• Self motivation is another key factor which is worked upon in acting classes. This is one factor which definitely leads
  towards success. It allows the kid to express themselves and let go of any nervousness they face. Working as a team, giving support to each other, building trust as well as leading others are some of the kids learned by the kids in these classes.

This experience which they gain from here proves to be quite beneficial in the later part of their lives. If the kid has developed self-confidence he can successfully establish his career when he grows up. In this modern world, people with high confidence and self-expression are seen at the top. Acting classes can help kids develop this self-confidence.

Most of the normal going school offers acting classes. Alternatively, there are specific acting schools as well. Kids can be enrolled in either of them. Typically, kids aged between three and eighteen can be enrolled in these programs. This is considered as the ideal age when self-confidence and expression is developed. Those kids who are clearly outspoken, their parents should definitely consider enrolling their kids in these schools.

If you also want all these things in your child, then you can also send your child to acting classes for kids without any hesitation.
This way your child will be more confident, social and will improve self esteem. Moreover, your child will be groomed at a younger age.

Fill your child’s life with as much music as you can. Some ideas:

• Put a small stereo or boombox and a rotating collection of CDs in your child’s room.
• A musical alarm clock or clock radio can help your child wake up musically. Many stereos have timers that let kids to drift off to music as well. And certain songs can serve as cues for your child (for instance, one song you always play or sing in the
  morning when it’s time to get ready for school).
• Sample CDs from your local library. You can try different artists and styles without spending money.
• Introduce kids to songs from your own childhood or music you especially love.
• Sing in the car.
• Make or buy musical instruments and have them available in your child’s play area.
• Cook to music, clean to music, and take time sometimes just to sit and listen as an activity.
• Try music-making computer software programs that let kids lay down their own tracks, just like a professional.
• Form your own family band with real or improvised instruments (spoons, makeshift drums, etc.). This is a good group activity for kids to try with friends.
• At certain age you may want to try to enroll them in music classes in your local music school, to get them introduced to music professionally.

Ready for Lessons?

You may be wondering if your music-loving child is ready for lessons. Most kids are ready for formal music instruction between ages 5 and 7. The piano is a logical place to start — kids who learn keyboarding skills also learn the fundamental musical concepts needed for other instruments or even for vocal music. String instruments are another good place to begin. Brass or wind instruments can be more physically challenging and may not be appropriate until the fourth or fifth grade.

If piano lessons were a dreaded chore for you growing up, they might well be for your child. Likewise, if you force musical training, your child likely won’t embrace it. But if your child expresses an interest in learning to play an instrument and seems consistently and genuinely enthusiastic, consider giving it a go.

Ask yourself these questions before starting lessons:

• Playing musical instruments makes physical demands on kids. Does your child have the appropriate physical development and fine motor control to play? (A good music teacher can help determine a child’s physical readiness.)
• Can your child focus on one thing for 20-30 minutes?
• Does he or she understand and manipulate letters and numbers?
• Has your child had adequate musical exposure? Can he or she keep a steady beat, identify incorrect notes in a familiar song, and repeat basic rhythm and pitch patterns? (If the answer is no, work on these skills before beginning formal lessons.)
• Are you willing to attend the lessons regularly and help ensure that your child practices?
• Do you think your child will be willing to practice? What will you do if your child doesn’t like lessons?

Whether you choose to begin instrument lessons or not, your child should get some music instruction at school. Elementary school should provide opportunities to sing, play instruments, listen to music, and understand the role music plays in our culture. Your child also will probably get some basic instruction in reading music, writing music, and understanding music theory.

Most grade schools also have a choir or band. If not, churches or community organizations often have musical groups open to kids.

Music is inherent in all of us. In fact, researchers now think it may predate language in human development. So whether your child becomes a concert pianist or simply enjoys singing in the shower, encourage that love of music!

Teaches Discipline

Our head dance designer began taking dance classes when she was three, and she’s one of the most disciplined and polite women I know. Actually, most dancers I’ve met in my dancewear career have been exceptionally polite and disciplined. I think that attitude and demeanor stems from the discipline and manners that are taught in the dance studio.

Let’s face it, manners and discipline are lacking in a lot of kids these days. But, put them in a room with some of the ballet teachers
I’ve met, and they’ll have them saying please and thank you left, right and center.

Posture

Dancers don’t slouch. Why? Because dance school teaches you how to hold yourself — keep a flat back, stand tall and remember your legs. It may seem frivolous, but good posture is key to preventing future back problems.

Exercise

Dance school gets kids out of the house, away from the TV and actually moving. It’s an amazing workout that teaches them how to move their bodies, use their bodies and stay active.

Opens Kids to the Arts

For me, this is probably the biggest benefit of dance school for children. Dance is a great way to open kids up, at a young age, to the arts and the beauty of creative expression.

Unfortunately, our arts programs in schools are constantly being cut and I think it’s up to us, the parents, to make sure our children aren’t losing an important part of our culture. By exposing your child to the arts early, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of artistic appreciation. It’s hard to measure that, but its highly valuable.

Improved Physical Health

Dancing is a highly physical activity, and kids who take dance lessons regularly should expect to see a significant improvement in their overall physical health.  According to a local dance center, regular dance practice can increase your child’s flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina. The repetitive movements involved in dance can improve muscle tone, correct poor posture,  increase balance and coordination and improve overall cardiovascular health.  Dancing is an aerobic form of exercise. For children who are overweight, it can  potentially help them to lose weight and improve their eating habits.

Socialization Benefits

In  addition to being a physical activity, dancing is also a highly social activity. Dance lessons can help children improve their social and communication skills, learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation and make new friends. If your child is shy, enrolling her in dance can encourage her to reach out to other children her age and help to reduce her anxiety about new people or places. Dance can also help to alleviate fears related to performing in front of an audience.

Educational Benefits

Becoming a skilled dancer requires practice, discipline and focus, skills that can be useful in other areas of your child’s life. According to experts in this field, dance lessons can help to spark creativity in young children and help them to develop an appreciation for the arts. Students who regularly participate in dance lessons typically tend to perform better academically than their nonparticipating peers. Based on their own experiences, professional instructors estimate that students who have a  background in dance tend to achieve significantly higher SAT scores and do better in math and science competitions.

Improved Self-Esteem

As children adjust to the movements and postures required in dance, they begin to get a better sense of their bodies. As they become more comfortable in their own skin, their confidence and self-esteem also improve. Dance lessons can encourage children to foster a more positive attitude and explore their own self-expression. This can be particularly beneficial for children who are
physically or mentally impaired or those who are attempting to deal with significant emotional problems.

The most common question that concerned parents would ask is, What do kids acting classes have to offer? With each session the children will learn improvisation skills and how to work on their stage presence helping to enhance their confidence in front of others. Classes also helps to flex the kid’s acting muscle with new people in fun, new situations that may call for impromptu exercises that require them to get in touch with their emotions and feelings.

Acting classes are fun and they instill practical benefits that will help them throughout the course of their lives long after the lessons end. Here are some benefits your child could get if he or she enrolls in an acting class:
- Acting lessons enhance a student’s confidence and comfort in front of an audience.
- Acting skills are a great asset for anyone to have and are a great way of improving communication and presentation skills.
- Participating in acting class requires great reserves of imagination since students have to visualize different periods in history, settings and lifestyles in order to successfully immerse themselves in their roles.
- Your child learns how to collaborate with other peers thus honing his or her social skills. The ability to empathize and communicate effectively will help students in their personal and professional relationships long after the curtain closes.
- These sessions provide a venue for freedom of self-expression that accompanies open communication in acting lessons and can have therapeutic effects.
- Acting courses provide students with a beneficial emotional release, builds self-esteem through consistently challenging and surprising themselves, student’s develop a new positive outlook on their own strength and abilities
- Through acting, students learn to create their own success by letting go of fear and releasing their natural self-expression.
- With kids acting classes, gifted children find an outlet for their creativity and energy.
- Through taking the classes, students learn to take direction, lead, support, and trust others since teamwork and cooperation are critical to a successful act.
- They can be a safe haven for public speaking including class presentations and school assemblies.

Through acting exercises, students become quite used to speaking in front of each other.
If you think your child has got what it takes to read lines and bring them to life on stage, you should consider getting them along to a acting course. Remember that with each acting class, your child gains acting experience and valuable knowledge that an actor needs to help master their craft. Your child will also get good at accepting criticism of acting abilities, enriching their young lives. And even if your child does not decide not to pursue an acting career, the classes will help build his or her confidence in whatever field they choose in the future.

So go ahead-sign up your child for a kids acting class and see how your child shake things up!

Myth #1 – “For children prone to homesickness, a shorter camp session is best”

Fact: In reality, a longer camp stay allows a child to get over any homesickness, make new friends and enjoy the complete camp experience. Once they have done this they feel a real sense of accomplishment.

Myth #2 – “If another child liked this camp then it must be a good one for my child.”

Fact: Program offerings and philosophies vary from camp to camp. Some are more sports oriented, some more artistic, and some more competitive. Just as no two children are alike, a camp that is a great fit for one child may be a poor choice for another child.

Myth #3- “The proximity of the camp to my home is what’s most important.”

Fact: That’s OK if the best camp for the child happens to be close by, but that’s often not the case. It’s better to select the right camp, regardless of location, than a wrong one that’s nearby. In the event of an emergency, parents can’t be at the camp immediately regardless of where the camp is. One can generally fly to camps that may be further away, often arriving there sooner than driving to one that may be closer to home.

Myth #4- “Specialty Camp vs. General camp: My child loves baseball so I’ll send him to a baseball camp for a couple of weeks.”

Fact: This may be OK if the child has already attended a general camp, is a little older and ready to handle the intensity of a one activity camp. We recommend a general camp for a child’s first experience. General camps are more nurturing and spend time helping children to adjust to being away from home. They also offer children exposure to a variety of activities, which often generates new interests for a child.

Myth #5-”The best camps are the most expensive ones.”

Fact: While it’s true that you generally get what you pay for, there is a wide range of camp tuitions available; from about $400 to $1200 per week. Some very good programs are available at the lower end of the spectrum. Look at all the factors, not just at price.

Myth #6- “My child must go with a friend to camp.”

Fact: This may aid in the process of getting the child to go to camp but once there it typically does more harm than good. Friends that go together to camp often stick together alienating themselves from the group and preventing a very important aspect of camp from taking place; making new friends. Occasionally, the more independent child will begin making friends leaving the other child feeling abandoned and betrayed. The result of which can be a strained camp experience and two former friends.

Myth #7-”My child is too young or not ready for camp.”

Fact: Frequently the parent is really expressing that they as a parent are not ready for the child to leave the nest and go to camp!

Historically families who send younger children to camp (ages 6-10) report a much easier adjustment and better overall experience. Older children have a more developed sense of fear which can hinder the adjustment process, teens can often be rebellious and fight the notion of going to camp, and for older children they may be the newcomer in a camp with children that have been attending for years.

Myth #8- “I need to visit the camp before I make my selection.”

Fact: Some families are early planners and do visit camps the summer before they send their kids to camp. This is really the only useful time to pre-visit, when the camp is in session. To visit during the off-season, when camp is closed is to see nothing more than a closed down facility- dull and uninformative at best. Most families, (over 90%,) choose the camps for their children without first pre-visiting. Today, most camps have videotapes and websites which are a great way to see a camp in action. It’s also wise to request and speak with references (parents of children that have attended the camp).

Myth #9- “I’ll start my planning in the spring.”

Fact: Not a wise idea! The past 2 years a record number of children, over 6 million each summer, have attended camp. Demand has outgrown supply. Many families have ended up on waiting lists that never opened up. The slowing economy is not expected to have much of an effect on the growing demand for summer camp. Families should begin their camp selection process as early as possible. The peak months for camp enrollment are December through March. Some great camps are still available in the spring but it’s a risky game of hit and miss.

Myth #10 – “Not every child is cut out for camp, so maybe camp is not for us.”

Fact: While it is true that not every camp is right for every child, there is a camp out there where each child can thrive. Regardless of a child’s personality or nature camp can afford them the chance to have fun, make new friends, develop skills and cultivate new interests. What’s important is to understand the child’s style and interests and find a camp that meshes with those. For example, sending a child whose passion is performing arts to a competitive, sports oriented camp will probably be a disappointment to all. Camps may sometimes try to be all things to all children but take the time to really explore what each camp offers in the areas that interest your child. And keep in mind, siblings can be very different, so a camp that has been a success for one child may or may not be the perfect place for the child that follows.

Parents should be prepared to discuss any of these or other concerns they have with the directors of the camps they are considering. When you feel that you have found one on the same wavelength, you can be comfortable and confident in making your camp decision.

Every child should have the chance to grow emotionally, gaining self confidence and independence. These are the benefits of the camp experience and every child should be given the opportunity to experience summer camp!