Humanities in Elementary School

The very word humanities sounds so scholarly that we generally assume it is only used and taught in colleges and universities. However, the opposite is true. Even elementary students can benefit from rounding out their education with a good basis in humanities.

Unfortunately, many public, as well as private, schools are beginning to eliminate classes such as music appreciation and art. Why would they do such a thing? To focus more on what are considered to be the basic elements of education, math, science and language. They all but eradicate the humanities from our education system.

For children whose only interest in school is when it will be over, humanities classes such as art and music are the only things that make learning interesting? Yet so many schools are taking away these courses. And even when the class remains, it is shortened and class trips are prohibited. Imagine studying art without ever seeing the works of the masters up close!

While Math and English and Biology might be all well and good in their own right, it is far from correct to eradicate the less "academic", humanities studies from the curriculum. Studying art and history is a good way for children to feel grounded. They can understand where they came from by looking at their ancestors and how things were established. And there are many other advantages as well!

Music, for example, has been proven to help boost math test scores. It also helps with language studies, since it is nearly a language in its own. Children who study music early in life often excel in math studies later on in life, as well as do better at learning a second or third language. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment a child feels when he or she masters a song on an instrument or through voice.

Several notable teachers have proven the value of music in the education system over the years. Movies have even been made about these teachers and the astounding effect their music had on entire classes of children who were failing and destined to drop out of school. One such movie, with Meryl Streep was Music of the Heart. This movie was based on the incredible results of a music program begun by Roberta Guaspari in Harlem.

Not only music, but other humanities subjects have brought about incredible changes in classrooms around the country. Drama, art, and music all have a profound effect on children, yet the education system insists on removing these beneficial programs. The long term effects of this move are yet to be seen, but many believe it will lead to a higher drop-out rate and more youth-related crime.

Humanities are important for the development of elementary school children, just as they are important in all other levels of education. Removing these programs from schools is unfair to the children who depend on them for release and the addition of culture to their often culture-less lives. It is important to continue with these sorts of classes.