The teenage years are a time of exploration and discovery, and for many students, this is when they find their passion for humanities and arts subjects such as history, literature, visual arts, theater, and music. These subjects not only enrich students’ understanding of the world but also help develop essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, and communication.
As a parent, supporting your teen in their pursuit of humanities and arts subjects is vital for their personal and academic growth. In this blog, we’ll explore actionable strategies to help you nurture their love for these fields, foster their skills, and prepare them for success in higher education and beyond. We’ll also provide valuable links to resources that can further aid you in your journey to support your teen.
1. Encourage Creative Expression
One of the most important ways to support your teen’s interest in humanities and arts is by encouraging creative expression at home. Create a nurturing environment where your teen feels comfortable expressing their thoughts, ideas, and emotions through writing, art, or performance.
Practical Steps:
- Provide the Right Tools: Make sure your teen has access to materials they need, such as art supplies, books, or a musical instrument. Having the right tools will inspire them to experiment and develop their talents.
- Create a Dedicated Space: Consider designating a room or area where your teen can focus on their creative work without distractions.
- Be Open to Their Ideas: Encourage your teen to share their work with you and listen without judgment. Whether they’re writing a short story, painting, or composing music, show interest in their creations and offer positive feedback
Explore resources that promote creativity and support arts education for students of all ages National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) .
2. Cultivate a Love for Reading and Writing
Reading and writing are foundational skills in humanities subjects like literature, history, and philosophy. By fostering a love for reading, you can help your teen develop critical thinking skills, expand their vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of human culture and history.
Practical Steps:
- Share Books on Subjects They Enjoy: Encourage your teen to read books related to their interests. Whether they enjoy historical novels, plays, poetry, or biographies, providing reading material that resonates with their passions will keep them engaged.
- Discuss What They Read: After your teen finishes a book, engage in a discussion about it. Ask them questions about the characters, themes, and ideas. This helps them reflect on what they’ve read and articulate their thoughts.
- Encourage Journaling: Writing in a journal can help your teen express their emotions and ideas. Encourage them to write regularly, even if it’s just a few lines each day.
Discover book recommendations, reading lists, and reviews to help find titles that your teen will love. Goodreads
3. Support Extracurricular Activities in the Arts
Extracurricular activities such as joining a drama club, participating in a school orchestra, or enrolling in a creative writing workshop are excellent ways for teens to pursue their interests in humanities and arts outside the classroom. These activities help them develop new skills, build confidence, and form connections with peers who share similar interests.
Practical Steps:
- Explore Local Opportunities: Look for local art programs, theater groups, or music lessons that your teen can participate in. Many communities offer free or low-cost programs through local libraries, community centers, or schools.
- Encourage Participation in School Activities: Support your teen in joining school clubs or teams that focus on their interests, whether it’s theater, debate, or a student literary magazine.
- Attend Their Performances and Exhibitions: Show your support by attending your teen’s performances, art shows, or readings. Your presence will boost their confidence and demonstrate that you value their work.
A resource for finding local arts organizations and programs that offer extracurricular opportunities for students. Americans for the Arts
4. Engage with Cultural Experiences
Exposing your teen to a variety of cultural experiences can deepen their appreciation for the humanities and arts. Visiting museums, attending theater performances, or exploring historical sites can bring the subjects they study in school to life and provide inspiration for their own creative work.
Practical Steps:
- Visit Museums and Galleries: Take your teen to local museums, art galleries, and cultural exhibitions. Discuss the artwork, historical artifacts, or literature you encounter and encourage your teen to ask questions.
- Attend Live Performances: Whether it’s a local theater production, a classical music concert, or a poetry reading, live performances can be a powerful way for your teen to experience the humanities and arts.
- Encourage Travel: If possible, take trips to historically or culturally significant locations. Visits to places like historical landmarks, art museums, or theater districts can provide unique insights into the subjects they’re studying.
5. Help Them Develop Research and Analytical Skills
Humanities subjects like history, philosophy, and literature require strong research and analytical skills. Encourage your teen to think critically about the subjects they study and develop the skills needed to analyze texts, form arguments, and conduct research.
Practical Steps:
- Teach Them How to Conduct Research: Help your teen develop strong research skills by teaching them how to find credible sources, take notes, and organize their information.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Ask your teen to form their own opinions on the subjects they study and back them up with evidence. This helps them become more confident in expressing their ideas and engaging in discussions.
- Introduce Them to Online Resources: Show your teen how to use online databases, libraries, and academic resources to research topics they’re interested in.
Offers free lessons on subjects like history, art history, literature, and philosophy. Khan Academy – Humanities
6. Nurture Their Artistic Passions with Professional Guidance
If your teen is seriously considering a career in the arts, they may benefit from more focused training. Whether they’re interested in becoming a writer, musician, actor, or visual artist, professional guidance and mentorship can help them develop their skills and reach their goals.
Practical Steps:
- Explore Mentorship Opportunities: Help your teen find a mentor in their chosen field. Whether it’s a local artist, writer, or musician, having a professional role model can provide valuable insights and guidance.
- Consider Specialized Programs: Look for summer programs, workshops, or internships that offer intensive training in the arts. Many programs are designed specifically for high school students and can give your teen a head start in their artistic development.
- Encourage Portfolio Building: For teens interested in pursuing arts-related college programs or careers, building a strong portfolio of their work is essential. Encourage them to document their achievements and create a professional portfolio.
A platform that offers recognition, scholarships, and exhibition opportunities for young artists and writers. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
7. Support Their Academic Development in Humanities
While creativity is essential, academic success in humanities subjects is also important for college preparation. Encourage your teen to develop strong writing, reading, and analytical skills, and help them stay organized and focused in their studies.
Practical Steps:
- Help with Time Management: Teach your teen how to balance their creative passions with academic responsibilities by setting priorities, creating study schedules, and staying organized.
- Work on Writing Skills: Humanities subjects often require essay writing, so help your teen develop strong writing skills by reviewing their work, offering feedback, and teaching them how to edit and revise.
- Encourage Curiosity: Encourage your teen to ask questions in class, participate in discussions, and engage with the material on a deeper level.
Conclusion
Supporting your teen in humanities and arts subjects is an investment in their future. These subjects not only foster creativity and critical thinking but also equip students with the skills needed for success in a wide range of careers. As a parent, your encouragement, support, and active involvement can help your teen thrive both academically and artistically.
By providing opportunities for creative expression, engaging with cultural experiences, supporting extracurricular activities, and nurturing their academic growth, you can help your teen develop a lifelong appreciation for the humanities and arts.