Have you heard about the Mozart controversy that caught wide attention and interest in the 1990s?
 
Basically, the Mozart controversy was born out of a research by the University of California where college students who listened to ten minutes of Mozart before taking an intelligence test apparently had improved scores after.
 
Ultimately, this "Mozart effect" caught up where parents started playing Mozart to their children, and record companies started packaging volumes of classical music to sell to ecstatic parents.
 
Fast forward to 2015, and there is yet to be a study substantial enough to claim the causal relationship between the arts and intelligence.
 
So what are the arts good for? What can the arts teach and what can kids learn from it?

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Art teaches how to envision
 
Art teaches kids to think about what they cannot see. And despite that there are subjects to base a drawing or a painting project on; most of the time, the subject is a product of one's imagination. 

​The ability to envision can be helpful in science projects where students are asked to make hypotheses or in history class where they need to recall past events. Elliot Eisner, a Stanford University professor, also points out that imagination enhances good thinking, which kids can utilize later on in business and other activities when they get older.
 
 
Art teaches kids to empathize
 
In a 2007 research entitled “Why Our Schools Need the Arts”, the researcher asked children and adults to draw what happiness, sadness, and anger means for them, and found that even young kids can communicate their feelings through drawings and color.

​We need to remind children the importance of introspection, communicating their emotions and recognizing that the emotions of others need to be equally respected as well.
 
“Art is an irreplaceable way of understanding and expressing the world. There are some truths about life that can be expressed only as stories, or songs, or images. Art delights, instructs, consoles. It educates our emotions.” says Dana Goia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts.
 
 
Art trains a child’s ability to concentrate
 
Head psychologist, Michael Posner, of the University of Oregon developed computerized activities designed to mimic the brain activity when a child's attention is focused in doing art. 

​This study supports the claim, more than ever, that the arts - whether visual, musical or in the physical form - can train a child's attention, which as a result improves cognition.
 
 
Art increases brain activity and improves psychological resilience
 
Aside from the cognitive perks of enjoying and appreciating art, doing art with your own two hands has been known to play a role in brain activity and psychological resilience. You can learn more about the study that supports this at this link.

But for now, check out the image of comparative brain activities between an individual who simply enjoyed and experienced art and a person who actually created visual art. See the difference?
 
 
While these supporting statements about art being related to intelligence are largely focused on kids, adults can benefit from art as well. Several studies have shown that art exposure and appreciation reduces stress, alters thinking and behavior patterns for the better, and normalizes blood pressure and heart rate. That’s a lot of takeaways for something that is already within our reach.
 
Here at Art Smart, our classes are not only for kids, but for adults, too!

​Check out our regular schedules to book a class or for any inquiries, please contact us at any of our details found on this link.

​Sem break's coming! 

Are you done planning the activities for your kids for the next two weeks? :)

Add fun, color, and the opportunity to meet new friends with our Special Sem Break Art Classes here at Art Smart!

Book your slots now by calling us at any of our contact details here. Choose from any of our schedules below and pay only PHP 800 per session! 

Discount coupons are available, too! Check it out here. Yay!

​For parents, it's always a challenge to make our kids’ sem break fun and meaningful. While sem break is poised to give kids a breather from their homeworks, quizzes and exams, there are many ways to keep their minds and body just as active as if they were in school, too. And it does not require bringing them on a trip abroad or leaving them with their cartoons and TV shows.
 
Learn a household chore
 
Studies show that kids who help out with household chores are likely to be successful once they grow up. Doing chores teaches them life skills and a sense of responsibility that will last them a lifetime.

Kids may not realize the benefits yet, that’s why assigning household chores in a fun way is important. How? Write chores on popsicle sticks! They get to pick a chore at random – wash the dishes, clean their room, pick up after their toys, etc. Adults can join in the fun as well.
 
Teach them how to bake
 
Cooking offers a variety of learning experiences for kids. Aside from practical and basic life skills, it encourages their academic skills to be at work such as math, science, and reading. Plus, teaching kids how to bake is a great bonding experience, too!

Make your research for a fun recipe, buy the ingredients together, and get started in the kitchen! Nothing's as sweet as the freshly baked pastries both of you will enjoy after your baking session. 
 
Have a family movie night
 
Since no one’s required to get up early the next day (well, except for the parents!), organize a fun family movie night in your living room! Wear your PJs, line up at least two movies that everyone agrees on to watch, dim the lights, and enjoy! Don’t forget the snacks, too!

This is a fun and light way to gather everyone in one place, and have some quality time!
 
Go trick or treating
 
Since Halloween falls on sem break, why not let your kids go trick or treating for sweets with their pals? We’re sure your village (or the mall!) has some activities lined up for the kids! 

​And to make Trick or Treat 2015 more fun, help your kids with their costumes! With so many tips online, it’s easy to do the scariest costumes without spending too much.  
 
Sign them up for arts and crafts classes
 
And here at Art Smart, we have that one covered! Starting October 26 to November 4, we will be having special sem break art classes!
 
Enrollment may be per session depending on how frequent you want your kids to attend. Learn more about our special sem break art classes here.

As for the benefits of arts and crafts for your kids, we have that one covered, too! Kindly check out our previous blog post about that.

To reserve your slots or for any inquiries you may have about our special sem break art classes, contact us at (02) 7886766 or 09178784766.

​For our regular and special classes for tots, check out the tables below!

Children are more capable than what we give them credit for. Take Cachelle de Alba’s daughter, Maya, for example.
 
Maya knows her art really well. She started taking classes at Art Smart when she was only five years old, and has not stopped painting, drawing, and doing crafts ever since.

Now that she's 10 years old, Maya has already completed two murals, which is not an easy feat!

​Check out Maya in action with her murals!

​And if you happen to visit Alba Restaurante Espanol at the Mall of Asia Complex, the mural you will see is actually done by Maya! Impressive!

​"Through Art Smart, Maya has learned concentration, patience, discipline and creativity.  We are very happy with how much she has matured with her strokes and her technique.", shares Maya’s mom.

​We are very happy and proud about your progress, Maya! Keep painting and creating your beautiful masterpieces!

​For Art Smart parents, we’d love to hear your thoughts and see your little artist’s progress! Kindly share your testimonials now by clicking on this link!