Parents are tuning in to how children learn best, and are excited about a host of new findings. Music, visual, and dramatic arts are emerging as both pathways and stimulants to intellectual growth.

Due to new expanded views of intelligence, no longer must the label "smart" be reserved for the best readers, writers, and counters in the classroom. Now, children who can follow complex dance steps or drum rhythms, design games, or soothe conflicts can be recognized as possessing different types of intelligence. Also, these skills can be used to learn the always-stressed reading, writing and math.

So what can parents do to boost learning power through the arts?

Expose your children to music and art at an early age. Research has linked intellectual achievement to visual and musical training and ability.

Many have asked how early they should start. Interestingly enough, many mothers-to-be have made a special effort to listen to Mozart and other calming symphonic musicians to predispose their unborn to high culture.

Putnam City Schools has supported the arts at an early age, providing exposure to visual art and general music for students in grades kindergarten through 12th at each school site. Even with artistic exposure at school, parents can provide additional outlets. Music lessons in violin or piano, for example, can be started as early as preschool. Some experts say that it is never too early to begin, because the idea is to train children early so the process becomes intuitive.

Take children to live performances. Give children the chance to experience the arts live, and excitement always follows. Encourage them to observe the conductor, and let them look down into the orchestra pit. Try to get backstage if possible. Some young people’s theaters let the cast mingle in costume with the crowd after performances. Plan on allowing time afterwards to shake hands with the stars. Think about looking behind the scenes or attending a dress rehearsal.

Do dance exercises with young children at home. Dance and rhythm are strong in many children. Other than formal dance and ballet, parents can have children skip, jump, and dance to challenging beats. Imitating leaves in the wind can be fun. Also, try teaching beats with a makeshift drum.

When attending museums, search for hands-on exhibits. Nothing sparks learning more than hands-on experiences. Children’s museums contain a wealth of fun educational displays. Many museum instructors will lead young visitors to a special gallery and offer special discussions on the work displayed. They may even give them materials to use on-site to try and create their own versions of what they observe.

Similar things can be done at home using art books, supplies, and any mixed media materials on hand — anything from cut-up magazines, post cards, and old calendars, to photos, fabric, etc. Establish your own special place for a family gallery and create art together. Talk about your work and the ideas, thoughts or feelings you expressed.