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Art encourages people to use their hands, brains and hearts. It may be the only way that children in special education can express themselves. It can be surprising how creative some children could be when they are asked to express something using art. They may find all other aspects of learning complex and confusing.

Art education could be in the form of drawing, painting or sculpturing. All children are excited when they are asked to perform these tasks and it is especially exhilarating for children in special education. At these times they can relax and show how they feel about the world around them. These children could even be introduced to the simple form of abstract art. They can recognize familiar forms from the drawings of circles, squares and lines. Sculpturing objects from malleable clay could help eye coordination and finger dexterity.

Art education is a simple medium for self expression. It is especially suitable for special education as these children are not good at verbally expressing themselves for many reasons. They may have behavior, learning, mental or physical problems. This is one area of learning that they could be fully inclusive with all the other levels of intelligence in the classroom. Some of these children might even have above average ability in this field of learning. This would give them self confidence and make them feel good about themselves.

Art could be implemented in the teaching of all subjects which are taught in special education classes. The drawing of simple objects in Mathematics would facilitate the basis, like addition, subtraction and the others. In Science they could draw or sculpt the objects which are being discussed. After a visit to the zoo, they will have a lot to draw, mold and discuss. In language class, they could act in plays, recite and even mime. They could also judge the meaning of images. Simple origami, the folding of paper into decorative shapes, would make some of these classes more interesting. Simple written sentences could accompany all of these activities. This would encourage correct spelling and sentence structure.

Art is a way to communicate. A lot of schools, because of budget restrictions, have omitted art classes from the curriculum. This should never happen in schools of special education. This may be these children's only means of communication. Parents should lobby local Government to make every effort to have art taught in schools.

Learn more about this author, Hermes Roberts.
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