【课堂新坐标，同步备课参考】2013-2014学年高中英语译林版选修八教师用书Unit+3　The+world+of+colours+and+light.doc

Unit 3　The world of colours and light 【美文阅读】　 Why is Art Important in Education? 艺术思维是人类最原始的思维方式，也是儿童心理发展的第一个阶段，艺术教育实际上是尊重人的心理自然发展的一种健康的教育方式，作为家长们，应该鼓励孩子去追求他们的艺术理想。 Education is another area where the presence(存在) of arts and crafts(工艺品) is more than welcome. If children realize the importance of art and creativity from a young age, they can grow up to be more confident, more creative, and definitely more mature(成熟的). Schools are the breeding grounds for future painters and movie makers, and these arts should be encouraged wholesomely(有益健康地) in such an environment. Sadly, many parents do not understand why is art important for children, and subconsciously(潜意识地) force them to follow career paths that are orthodox(普遍赞同的) and conformist(墨守成规的) in nature. This is fair enough in its own way, because the world does need some standard blue collar and white collar jobs to continue its existence; but this is a choice that children should be allowed to make for themselves. The doors to creativity and expression must not be shut in their faces, even if it comes at a cost of making more money. To put it more scientifically, here are some benefits of kids art activities that give a suitable answer to the question ‘Why is art important in schools？’ Exposure to art, music and drawings at an early age improves the amount of brain activity in children. It increases the span of knowledge in the minds of children, thus making them sharper and more educated. It builds up the levels of self-confidence, self-esteem, motivation, cooperation and communication in children. It helps children understand other peoples opinions and point of view as well. It helps them sharpen their problem solving skills, decision-making and gives them the possibility of really exploring their imaginations. 【诱思导学】　 1．What does the underlined word “breeding” in the first paragraph mean?