Page 209 - Blooms Schools Yearbook 2019

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USING ART AS A TOOL TO TEACH SPECIAL NEEDS LEARNERS.

It takes extra planning, flexibility and creativity to make the arts accessible to students with disabilities.
Here are some inspiring thoughts on why we should continue our mission to make art inclusive for all. No
learner should be left behind no matter the condition.
Creative Expression Benefits for Students with Special Needs

“Art is healing and meditative for children and teachers. It is inspiring and allows a different kind of space
for free and creative expression. Art builds self-confidence in a way that children need. It develops
listening skills and an ability to work from part-to-whole. It develops trust in one's teacher.”
Art has a way of getting hyperactive children to express themselves as well as develop motor skills in such
a way that their communications skills are utilized maximally. In my years as a professional art teacher, I
have tutored children with special needs who have exhibited high dexterity in colouring and drawing.

Special Education teacher/ blogger Nancy Bailey states in the Importance of Art for Students with Disabili es
that “If inclusion is the goal for students with disabilities, as has been described in the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, then art classes should be a high priority. The arts can level the playing field,
because children with difficulties in academic subjects might excel at drawing, painting, acting or dancing
and singing.”

In addition she goes on to state that good art programs may even lead to some type of employment in the
art industry and that the arts can help build self-esteem, bring joy and provide motivation for struggling
students to stay in school.
Scholar and author Jane Piirto, in her book Understanding Those Who Create discusses analyses of famous
people that included artists (sculptors, painters, actors, composers, film directors, dancers and performers).

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