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Culture Vultures
Introduce Your Preteen to the Traditional
By Kelly Burgess
the museums to see the art, dinosaurs or folk crafts. This is why programs in schools that provide that cultural exposure are so important and worth supporting. Besides just exposing children to existing culture, these programs may be nurturing tomorrow's great masters. "One great argument for the arts in school is that it's one thing that stimulates poor learners," says Sagarese. "Not every child is good at math, but every child can draw and express themselves. Art can elevate kids."
Programs such as field trips to cultural attractions also often have the advantage – for all children – of professional guides or teachers who are very knowledgeable about that particular attraction. Even so, Weston says parents should not be intimidated by art and culture if it's something they weren't exposed to as youngsters. In fact, learning as you go is a great example for children – that art is an ongoing, lifelong learning experience. Museums often offer low- or no-cost audio tours, as well as tours by docents that can help both parents and children learn a thing or two. Follow the experience up with a book from the library that everyone can enjoy.
In the 1960s, American psychologist John Horn proposed that there are two factors to intelligence: fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. Fluid intelligence includes skills such as speed of reasoning and memory. These increase into adulthood and then decline due to the aging process. Crystallized intelligence is the knowledge and skills obtained through learning and experience, and it can increase indefinitely during a person's life. Schools already know this. Share it with your kids.