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A recent report by several independent researchers concludes that participating in the arts strengthens the development of social skills, personal and cognitive. Arts-based programs can improve academic achievement and decrease the tendency toward crime. It helps youth form positive attitudes about themselves and pride of the structure.

Arts programs involve communication, interpretation and understanding of complex symbols, like math and languages. This promotes higher-order analytical skills and abilities of the evaluation and synthesis. Many programs make the child regularly use multiple skills thus making it dynamic and versatile.

The development of imagination, trial and philosophy are fringe benefits of an activity-based art. In comparison with the length of the short 45 minute art classes in school, the extra time allowed in after school activities allows the child to get more involved? This results in more satisfactory opportunities for development of latent capabilities in the child. In turn, the child learns to set high standards of achievement. He understands what sustained focus is and learns that regular practice is the way to excellence.

In the shy or isolated child, the lessons of the theater, speech or drama can be an outlet for pent up emotions. As the drama requires getting into the ’skin’ of another person, the child learns to put words to express emotions and thoughts. These reasons explain the popularity of art-based activities.