Preliminary links

http://www.abrakadoodle.com/benarted.htm

This website is funded by an art support program called Abra Kadoodle listing benefits children experience after using this program. The benefits include both mental synapses but fine motor skills and leadership skills. This is helpful because this lists out what art can do to help your child.

http://www.arttherapyblog.com/art-therapy-benefits/

A blog about art therapy created and edited by its users; it goes into detail about how art therapy is used, who it is used on, and other information. The use of art therapy is designed to create a safe environment where one can have creative expression. This brings a sense of new self knowledge and relief knowing now how to express their emotions in a simple way we all know how to do.

http://www.indiaparenting.com/child-development/26_176/the-benefits-of-art-and-your-child.html

An article funded by India Parenting informing parents of how art affects children as they grow and develop. The article states different statistics about how art positively benefits children when they are motivated and able to express themselves through mediums of the fine arts. It also states that art is stress reliever and self confidence builder.

http://www.policyalmanac.org/education/archive/no_child_left_behind.shtml

An online summary of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 by the US Department of Education which states that President Bush wanted more accountability on teachers and local educational systems so that all schools will be performing on "grade level." The emphasis is on standardized testing and getting high test grades in the "core subjects."