Stress from the Pandemic
Is your school year going differently than you had planned? As schools across the nation deal with unprecedented conditions, many students are struggling. School in general is more complicated. So, stress levels are rising in every age group. Studies are showing a trend of rising stress for students for students across the board, as professionals wonder how to help young people cope. It’s time to think outside the box and help students deal with stress from the pandemic.
Fine arts education has been especially hard hit during pandemic schooling. Many schools have limited or eliminated their fine arts programs. After school activities are limited even more. For the students in completely virtual school situations, this situation is even more difficult. Yet, students still want to be a part of band, choir, or orchestra. There is a driving need to create and be creative, which is also therapeutic when dealing with high stress.
According to Art Therapy: Journal of the American art Therapy Association, published May 23, 2016, just “45 minutes of creative activity significantly lessens stress in the body, regardless of artistic experience or talent.” This is startling. Is canceling fine arts programs really helping our students? Could fine arts be the answer to ending the stress crisis in young people?
Fine Arts Help Students Cope with Stress from the Pandemic
Every student can benefit from creative activities and access to a fine arts education. This is especially crucial during the pandemic because of the increasing stress levels and uncertainty young children and teen are experiencing. Now is the time, more than ever, to provide more opportunities for creative outlets.
The creative process and connecting with others are essential. As stress levels continue to rise, it’s imperative that we find creative opportunities to help students cope with stress from the pandemic. However could this be done safely and according to state guidelines? The answer is yes!
Faith Center for the Arts is changing life for students across the NJ Tri-State area. By offering online, in-person, and hybrid courses, Faith Center is meeting the needs of students looking for fine art opportunities and creative activities. In addition, they are doing this while following the highest health and safety standards. Their signature Encore program kicks off a second session of small group, short-term, in-person classes for students age 5-18. Looking for something else? How about private lessons in everything from voice and guitar to violin and drums. Private lessons are available in-person or virtually to meet families’ individual needs.
Beginning in January, Faith Center will be opening a new campus in Ocean Grove. Four brand new Encore classes will be held there each Wednesday for students age 9-13. “We wanted to bring this opportunity to South Jersey and are so excited to open our Ocean Grove center. This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people of this region,” announced Briggs.
The program features:
Encore classes meet for 6 weeks, just 2 hours per week. This is a perfect way to give your child a creative outlet without a big commitment. Private lessons meet for 30-60 minutes per week and available for a wide range of instruments. Whether you are a complete beginner, or an experience musician looking to keep your edge, Faith Center for the Arts has what you need. You can learn more about both these programs and sign up at https://faithcenterarts.org/ocean-grove .
Hurry, space is limited and you do not want to miss this amazing opportunity.