Through 4-H we strive to help youth develop into well-rounded individuals. One of the ways we do that is through arts education and expression. 4-H’ers have numerous opportunities to express their creativity through programs covering many diverse art forms.
Not only do the arts help mold well-rounded young adults, but studies show arts education can lead to higher overall academic achievement. Research has shown young people who participate in some form of musical education have enhanced spatial skills, which are critical skills in many science, engineering, technology and math-related careers. Young people who study music also tend to have higher math scores.
Studies show students who participate in drama tend to have a broader range of verbal skills. Enhanced verbal skills help young people increase their reading comprehension, overall reading achievement, reading readiness and writing.
Drawing and painting can also lead to improved verbal skills. Research conducted in New Hampshire beginning in the mid-1990s shows that when students are allowed to draw a story before they write it, they are better able to fully develop and describe their story when they write it. As a result, students who engage in this form of learning have significant improvements in writing and visual literacy. In the research study, this improvement was across the board for students, including those participating in Title I and special education, students for whom English is their second language and boys, who tend to trail girls nationally in this area.    
 Source: Jennifer Tackett, 4-H youth development specialist
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Ralph Hance is Trimble County’s Cooperative Extension agent for 4-H and youth development.
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