An era in which art nurtures children's minds
In today's educational field, attention is being paid not only to the acquisition of knowledge and skills but also to "education of the heart." In this context, "art education," and in particular the power of painting, is being reevaluated. Rather than relying on the traditional notion of whether a child has artistic talent or not, or is good or bad at drawing, painting is being actively incorporated into childcare and schools as a platform for free expression, as well as a means of naturally developing children's non-cognitive abilities such as imagination, sensitivity, and empathy.
1. Art Activities in Kindergartens and Nursery Schools: Nurturing the Foundations of Creativity and Self-Esteem
Early childhood is an important time for building the foundations of the mind and sensibility. During this period, experiences such as "drawing freely" and "playing with colors" are important educational activities that foster creativity and emotional expression.
Many nurseries incorporate coloring books and free drawing, and encourage children's own creativity by setting simple themes such as "Let's draw flowers" or "Let's draw something that made you happy." The important thing here is not "to draw well," but "to be able to freely express your feelings." When nursery and kindergarten teachers give positive feedback on their work, children experience being "recognized," which increases their self-esteem and motivation to express themselves.
Also, by seeing other children's work, children will broaden their horizons and realize, "Oh, there are other ways to draw," which will naturally foster mutual understanding and acceptance of diversity.
2. Art education in elementary schools: Painting classes that foster thinking skills and empathy
Even after moving on to elementary school, what is important is not "technique" but encouraging "sensitivity" and "spiritual growth."
For example, assignments such as "Draw a city of the future" or "Draw a picture of protecting the Earth" give children an opportunity to express their values and ideals. Furthermore, lessons using social themes such as "War and Peace," "Family," and "Coexistence with Nature" encourage students to think deeply, feel, and be exposed to the opinions of others in the process of drawing, which helps to develop their ability to think and empathize.
Furthermore, by providing opportunities to present one's own work at presentations and exhibitions, art also fosters the ability to communicate one's ideas to others and to accept the opinions of others, making it an important tool for communication.
3. High compatibility with special needs education ~Communicating peace of mind and freedom through pictures~
In recent years, the use of art has become increasingly popular as an educational support tool for children with developmental disabilities. This is because art is an effective way for children who have difficulty expressing themselves through words to communicate their thoughts and the world around them. Furthermore, many children have strong powers of concentration and particularities, which can allow them to utilize their unique perspectives and expressive abilities to produce wonderful, original works of art, helping them to develop their talents.
In special needs classes and resource rooms, art activities are used to improve emotional control, concentration, and self-understanding. Drawing allows children to confront their own emotions and provides a safe outlet for expression. In addition, displaying the completed artwork and receiving praise from those around them also helps to improve self-esteem.
When instructors carefully understand the meaning and intention behind the pictures, they can have a heart-to-heart dialogue with the children and build a deep relationship of trust. Art is truly a tool that can improve the quality of support by "seeing, drawing, and communicating."
Image source: https://rcc.jp/event/2025/yoshinari/
Artist: Yoshinari Ishimura
Profile: Artist born in 1994. Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, he underwent rigorous therapy with the support of his parents. His beloved mother died of illness when he was in fifth grade, and he has lived his life alongside his father ever since. He began acrylic painting and printmaking as an elective class in high school, and after graduating, he began creating art in earnest in his home studio. After winning an award for his printmaking at the 2nd New Ecole de Paris Ukiyo-e Exhibition, he continued to win awards and garner acclaim, holding solo exhibitions and exhibitions around the country. His solo exhibitions have been hugely successful, breaking records for attendance at museums, and last year a film depicting his life, "Niihama Hikari Monogatari: Blue Lion," was released, making him a young artist of great interest.
Style: Having often visited the zoo with his mother as a child, he continues to express his connection with his mother through animals. The vibrant colors and striking animal eyes give a sense of the dynamism of life, and his energetic works give him a lot of power.
The future of art education: A shift to learning that emphasizes "expression" over "evaluation"
Recent educational reforms have seen a shift from a knowledge-based, cramming-style education to an inquiry-based, expressive learning style. Art education, including painting, is a form of learning that perfectly fits this trend.
Especially in today's world, with the advancement of digital technology and AI, the value of "creativity" and "sensitivity" that only humans possess is increasing. The role of art in education is becoming an important element for the future.
Art, free from the world of deviation scores and with vague standards for evaluation, allows children to freely express their creativity and have time to reflect on themselves. Transitioning to and coming into contact with a "world without correct answers" will also help develop flexible thinking that will enable them to adapt to the rapidly changing society of the future, and the ability to walk together with others.
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Written by: MIKIKO
FROM ARTIST Management staff. I write columns. I provide management support so that we can convey the appeal of artists.
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CEO of BUSCA LLC. Head of FROM ARTIST. Started his career as a marketer, he worked for a business company and an advertising agency before going independent. He completed marketing-related programs at several graduate schools and business schools, including the University of California, Berkeley and London Business School. He also completed the MBA core curriculum at Macquarie University and studied the importance of art in education at the University of British Columbia.
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