20 Ways To Involve Your Family In National Arts in Education Week

by ParentCo. September 10, 2015

Every kid deserves access to a high-quality arts education.

Research on arts education shows that arts integration in schools improves school climate, student motivation, creativity, perseverance, and achievement in other subjects like math and language arts. In 2010, Congress established National Arts in Education Week to support access to the arts for all students. There are many ways families can celebrate the arts together during this week or any time of the year. Here Are 20 Ways To Involve Your Family In National Arts in Education Week (September 13-19)

1. Post a photo of your kid’s artwork to Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram. Use the hashtag #ArtsEdWeek.

2. Write a thank you note or email to an arts educator in your kid’s life.

3. Share a story of an arts educator who made a difference in your life or your kid’s life. Use the hashtag #TeachtheArts.

4. Take a family trip to an arts event, museum or performance. Document it, and share it online.

5. Donate art supplies to your kid’s school or an organization that works with kids in your community.

6. Brainstorm ideas for a community that is underserved with the arts. Find a way to bring the arts into their lives.

7. Watch the video campaign Encourage Creativity, Teach the Arts and share it on social media.

8. Create an art wall somewhere in your home where all family members can contribute.

9. Explore kid-friendly art and music videos on Today Box and talk about them with your kids.

10. Take turns bragging about your favorite artist at the dinner table.

11. Learn more about the arts! Join an #ArtsEdChat on Twitter hosted by Americans for the Arts from 8-9 ET Monday through Thursday during #ArtsEdWeek. Follow @JeffMPoulin, Arts Education Program Coordinator for Americans for the Arts for more info.

12. Be informed! Research your state’s support for the arts at ArtsEdSearch, the nation’s first online research and policy clearinghouse for learning outcomes in the arts.

13. Make a mural as a family. Reclaim a wall and create something together inside or outside of your home.

14. Donate time at your kid’s school to help an art educator.

15. Have a dance party. Let each family member take turns playing DJ.

16. Write to your elected officials and advocate for the arts. Your voice matters!

17. Download the official logo for National Arts in Education Week and change your facebook profile photo.

18. Make a family bucket list for arts experiences you want to try as a family. Post it somewhere visible where everyone can see.

19. Dump your recycling on the dining room table. Have a contest to see who can make the best sculpture using recycled materials.

20. Check out some art books from the library. Instead of reading bedtime stories, look at art together and talk about what you see.

We want to hear from you! Let us know what you tried and how it worked out!

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