Teach Through the Arts for Healthier Students
If you’re a teacher, you already know how students light up when they’re given the chance to create. I was one of those students. Whether it’s acting out a scene, drawing a character sketch, or composing a soundscape, the arts tap into something deeply human. But beyond building imagination and collaboration, there’s another reason to champion the arts in your classroom: teach through the arts for healthier students. Creative activities don’t just enrich learning—they support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and promote well-being in ways that traditional methods often can’t.
I jokingly tell friends that, “I’m going to see a live musical tonight to boost my mental health.” I coined, “arts vitamins” for these experiences. Although anecdotal, I can prove how much they help me. I have a devil of a time sleeping through the night. However, whenever I attend any sort of arts event I sleep like a little baby that night. Seeing the arts live always moves me most, but even when I watch a performance on screen—whether in a theater or at home—I still feel uplifted. One of my favorites “arts vitamins” to view at home is: nattheaathome.org
In 2019, the World Health Organization reviewed over 3,000 studies exploring the connection between the arts and health. Their conclusion? The arts play a major role in the prevention of illness, the promotion of health, and the management and treatment of disease.
Teach Through the Arts for Healthier Students
For years, the arts were often seen as enrichment—something extra to sprinkle in after the “real” academic work was done. But research continues to prove otherwise: the arts are foundational to student wellness and development.
Creative experiences directly impact the brain and body in ways that support learning and health. When students engage in activities like acting, drawing, singing, or dancing, they’re doing far more than expressing themselves—they’re nurturing their nervous systems and emotional intelligence. Have you ever had to debate why your theater class is important? Check out this resource. Why Theater Education Matters
The Art of Feeling Better
Here’s how the arts support student health:
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Lower cortisol levels: Engaging in creative activities can reduce the stress hormone cortisol, leading to calmer, more focused students—especially important in high-pressure school environments.
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Improve emotional regulation: Artistic expression gives students safe ways to explore and manage emotions. Acting out scenes, drawing feelings, or writing monologues helps them process big feelings in a constructive way.
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Enhance communication and social connection: Group projects, performances, and critiques all help students develop empathy, active listening, and collaboration skills. These are critical for both classroom success and life beyond school.
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Strengthen the immune system: When students are less stressed and more engaged, their bodies respond positively. Lower stress levels have been linked to better immune function and overall well-being.
As a teacher, you’re not just boosting creativity—you’re giving students tools for healthier lives. Every artistic moment in your classroom is a step toward a more balanced, resilient learner. Looking for a FREE lesson from me? Pick up my FREE Nicole Scherzinger Biography Lesson here.
When Art Becomes Medicine: A Swiss Town’s Prescription for Creativity
If you need proof that the arts are more than just enrichment, look to the small town of Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, where doctors are literally prescribing museum visits to patients dealing with stress, depression, or burnout.
In a groundbreaking pilot program launched in early 2024, patients can receive a “cultural prescription” as part of their treatment plan. These prescriptions allow free access to local art museums, encouraging individuals to explore creativity and beauty as a form of healing. Inspired by similar programs in Canada and Belgium, this initiative is a bold recognition of what many educators already know: art heals.
Additionally, patients reported improvements in mood, motivation, and perspective—just by spending time in creative spaces. The program doesn’t just serve as a mental health intervention; it also builds connection, curiosity, and engagement with the community.
Classroom Connection: What This Looks Like in Action
Students who are struggling with anxiety might find solace in writing a monologue or performing a scene. Or you can play it safe and do a group performance which can build confidence in shy students. Also, reflective art journals help process emotions. Even a simple daily sketch or a “freeze frame” tableau can reset the tone of a restless classroom. Want a resource for this purpose? Check out: Tableau for the End of the School Year
These aren’t just fun activities—they are tools that support mental and emotional health.
The ‘Art for Everyone’ Movement: Expanding Access, One Step at a Time
When I was researching this topic, I learned about this movement on CBS Sunday Morning. The Art for Everyone movement reminds us that art isn’t just for professional artists or elite programs—it’s for everyone. Similarly, this growing initiative advocates for accessible, inclusive arts education in schools, libraries, hospitals, and communities. It partners with artists, educators, and civic leaders to make sure students—no matter their background—get a chance to create and express. I’ve blogged about this subject in the past from a different perspective. You can read it here: This is What the Arts do for You
You’re part of that movement every time you make space for creativity in your classroom. Don’t know how to do so? Check out: How Do I Use Arts Integration in the Classroom?
The Research Is In: Arts Build Confidence and Well-Being
As an arts advocate for over forty years, I have first hand experience at the positive results the arts encourage in our students. In fact, I’ve never known them not to boost a student’s confidence. However, in a recent study from China focused on college students found something powerful: students who participated in fine arts classes reported higher levels of psychological well-being. But that’s not all—what made the biggest difference was the boost in creativity and self-confidence those classes sparked.
In other words, the more students engaged with the arts, the more they believed in their ability to create and solve problems—and the better they felt mentally and emotionally. Yahoo!
Furthermore, this matters at every level of education. As teachers, when we teach through the arts, we give students space to explore their creativity, we’re also helping them grow into more confident, resilient individuals. It’s not just about developing artistic skills—it’s about supporting the whole person.
Final Thoughts for Teachers
When you teach through the arts, you don’t need a separate arts budget. Nor do you need a black box theater to bring the benefits of the arts into your students’ lives. Start small. Try:
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A short scene reading on a Friday afternoon
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A visual reflection poster after a book unit
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A “soundtrack” assignment for a character study
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Or simply asking, “How can we express this concept creatively?”
When you integrate the arts, you’re not just teaching your subject—you’re nurturing your students’ health, confidence, and humanity. And that is something worth celebrating.
What arts activities do you include in your lessons? Did you know that my masters is in creative arts learning, or arts integration? I am very willing to create for you the lesson you need for this express purpose. Just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com
