Have you ever wondered how you can make a real difference in your child’s education? Take the story of Alex, a third-grader who had always struggled with reading and found little joy in school. His teachers noticed his disengagement and decided to incorporate arts integration into his lessons. They used storytelling and dramatization to bring reading material to life. The change was remarkable—Alex not only improved his reading skills but also began to look forward to school each day. Arts integration transformed Alex’s educational experience and helped him develop a love for learning.

Or consider this: Emily, a high school student, struggled with severe anxiety and a lack of confidence. It wasn’t until she joined the school’s theater program that she discovered her voice and a newfound sense of self-worth. Through the arts, Emily not only excelled academically but also gained skills that boosted her future prospects. This transformative experience underscores the critical role arts education can play in a child’s life.

With recent changes in arts funding, parents and other community members now play a crucial role in advocating for the arts in our schools. Whether you have a deep passion for music, visual arts, theater, or simply believe in the power of creativity, your voice can have a lasting impact. Discover five practical ways to support and advocate for arts education and equip yourself with the tools and confidence to make a meaningful difference in your child’s school and community!

Stay Informed About the Power of Arts in Education

Start by reading articles, attending workshops, or following social media accounts that highlight the benefits of arts education. Share what you learn with other parents and educators to build awareness within your community. Check out a few ways to stay informed here:

Set Up Google Alerts: Receive notifications about news and research on arts education by setting up Google Alerts with relevant keywords such as–

  • Arts Integration
  • Arts Enhancement
  • Arts in Education
  • Florida State Arts Funding
  • Arts in Florida
  • Arts in the News

Join Online Communities: Engage with online forums or social media groups focused on arts education to stay up-to-date and exchange ideas with others.

Create a Reading List: Keep a list of trusted blogs, websites, and books on arts education and dedicate a little time each week to stay informed. Here are a few options:

Support Local Arts Programs

Audiences are still slowly starting to attend arts events the way they did prior to 2020, so your attendance makes a huge difference! Attend local performances and invite other families to join. Your attendance not only shows support but also helps keep these programs thriving. Need practical tips on supporting the arts? Here are a few:

Mark Your Calendar: Keep track of local arts events by adding them to your calendar as soon as they’re announced.

Invite a Friend or Donate Tickets: Encourage others to join you by inviting friends or neighbors to attend events together. If you cannot attend an event, donate tickets! Arts programs can always find someone who would love to attend but find the price to be a barrier. 

Promote Events: Share information about upcoming arts events on social media or with your community groups to help boost attendance. Most arts programs, including school groups, have their own Facebook and Instagram accounts that you can follow to stay informed. These are easily shareable to spread the word. Here are a few–

Promote Arts Integration in Everyday Learning

Talk to your child’s teachers about how arts are integrated into their daily lessons. Offer to help with arts-related projects or suggest resources that teachers might find helpful. This hands-on involvement can make a big difference in how the arts are woven into the curriculum. Here are some ideas to promote art integration:

Volunteer Your Time or Donate Materials: Offer to help in the classroom during arts-integrated lessons or to donate art supplies or other materials that can be used in creative classroom projects.

Praise the Work: When your child’s teacher uses arts integration in the classroom, contact the principal and share how excited you are to see them value this approach. Not only does this validate the effort of the teacher, but encourages principals to also value arts integration in the curriculum.

Elevate the Arts: Suggest organizing a classroom art show or display to celebrate students’ creative work, making arts integration visible and valued within the school. Any time is a good time to celebrate the arts, but you can also consider these special dates throughout the year–

  • Arts in Education week each September
  • Arts in our Schools month every March

Speak Up at School and Community Meetings

Attend PTA meetings, school board meetings, or community forums to voice your support for arts education. If you are nervous, here are a few tips to help you succeed:

Prepare Your Key Points: Write down the main points you want to convey. Focus on the positive impact of arts on students and share any personal experiences. 

Practice: Rehearse what you want to say with a friend or in front of a mirror. This can help you feel more comfortable when the time comes to speak. Observe others speaking in these environments and become familiar with the process and rules.

Start Small: If speaking in front of a group feels daunting, start by having one-on-one conversations with teachers or other parents. Build your confidence before addressing a larger audience.

Advocate for Arts Funding at the State Level

Get involved in state-level advocacy by writing to your legislators, organizing petitions, or joining advocacy groups. If you are unsure what to communicate, consider these tips:

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your message focused on the importance of restoring arts funding and the benefits of arts education. Use specific examples or data to support your case.

Personalize Your Message: Share your personal connection to the issue. Explain how arts education has impacted your child or community, making your appeal more relatable and compelling.

Follow Up: After sending a letter or email, follow up with a phone call or another message to reinforce your point. Persistence can make a big difference.

Use the template here to contact your representatives and urge them to support Arts Education.

Advocating for arts education involves a variety of impactful steps you can take to support and enhance the role of the arts in your child’s education. From staying informed and supporting local programs to promoting arts integration and speaking up at meetings, each action contributes to a vibrant and enriched learning environment.

Remember, your efforts—whether big or small—can spark meaningful change and ensure that the arts continue to thrive in our schools. By engaging with your community, voicing your support, and advocating for funding, you help create a future where every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts.

Now is the time to put these ideas into action. Start with one small step and build from there. Share your passion with others, attend local events, and use your voice to make a difference. Together, we can champion the arts and ensure they remain a vital part of our educational landscape. Your involvement matters—let’s make a lasting impact for our children and their futures!

 

Help up keep arts education alive by making a donation to Orlando Family Stage today!

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