There is always an ongoing debate about nature vs nurture and how it affects children.
If a child is talented in performing arts, is he/she naturally born this way or do environmental factors like family play a part in nurturing him?
Read on as we further explain how both of these factors come into play when honing your child’s artistic talents.
Nature vs Nurture
Nature meaning: The nature of a child depends on his genetic factors right from birth.
Nurture meaning: Nurture refers to the effects of environmental factors on the child, including the child’s family, friends, schools, neighbourhoods, culture, media and broader society that affect the way he/she grows and develops.
Genetics are important but the nature of your child is unlikely to be changed. So this is where the nurturing aspect comes in. Education and the environment you provide play an important role in cultivating your child’s artistic talents. The more opportunities you give him/her to be exposed to being creative, the better his/her skills will become.
Ways to Nurture Your Child
You can nurture your child by providing the best environment and resources for him/her to be exposed to the arts, such as watching live plays, dances or musicals, staging mini performances at home as well as going for speech and drama or singing classes.
1. Watch Live Plays, Dances, or Musicals
Instead of heading to the cinema to catch the next big-hit movie, why not drop by your local theatre with your little ones to watch a live play, dance, or musical?
Live theatre engages children with an imaginative story plot, accompanied by songs and dances. The story plot exposes them to the broader world, allowing them to develop greater empathy. Children who frequently watch live theatre typically grow up to be more understanding and accepting of different people.
You can also discuss the plot with your children after the performance. Not only does this sharpen their critical thinking skills as they process the storyline, but it also serves as a form of bonding time with them.
2. Stage Mini Performances At Home
Staging mini performances at home is another great way for children to be exposed to performing arts.
Coming up with their own performances encourages children to think out of the box, boosting their imagination and honing their creative problem-solving skills.
By performing in front of their encouraging parents and family members, children can also overcome their fear of being at the centre of attention. This self-confidence will serve them
well throughout their growing years, even up till adulthood.
The home represents a safe space. For shyer children, this is a good place to start as they have the freedom to confidently express themselves in the comfort of their own home.
3. Sign Up for Speech and Drama or Singing Classes
Going for speech and drama classes is another fantastic way to bring out the star in your child.
Public speaking is an important communication skill. By learning to control their movements, postures, and gestures, children can actively engage an audience and effectively deliver their messages in different situations.
If your child does not like speech and drama, singing classes are another option to consider. Through belting out hit songs and humming favourite tunes, children will learn all about intonation, articulation, diction and tone. Possessing these vocal skills are important in helping your child to become a better public speaker and communicator.
Conclusion: Nature vs Nurture
So nature vs nurture, which is better? It’s neither one nor the other. Instead, both factors contribute to the development of a child.
If you’re looking for performing arts classes in Singapore, why not try MindChamps Académie of Stars, Singapore’s premier performing arts school? Through specialised programmes such as singing, acting and musical theatre, we groom our Champs and develop their potential for the global stage.