In my opinion, art and music should be included in the school curriculum. This viewpoint aligns with Claire’s argument that these subjects can enhance creativity and critical thinking. I would further argue that including art and music in the curriculum is beneficial to students’ mental health. To be more specific, engaging in artistic activities such as drawing, painting, or playing an instrument provides children with a healthy outlet for stress and emotions. These creative activities promote relaxation, improve mood, and can reduce anxiety, which helps create a more balanced mental state for students. Moreover, the mental benefits of art and music can enhance focus and concentration in other academic areas. For example, my cousin Ethan, who is a high school student, takes music classes in addition to his regular subjects. He finds that playing the guitar helps him unwind after a long school day and reduces stress, which improves his overall well-being and focus in his studies. To conclude, including art and music in the curriculum is not only good for creativity but also for students' mental health and overall academic success.