Should children have art lessons or classes at school?

I'd say art classes are absolutely essential in schools because they develop creative thinking that benefits children in all subjects. My niece in Hangzhou, who I mentioned earlier, is a perfect example - her drawing habit has actually improved her storytelling skills in language class. She connects visual ideas with words in a way that surprises her teachers. That said, schools shouldn't force perfection in art like they sometimes do with math or science. The value is in the creative process itself, not just the final product. In Shanghai where I live, some progressive schools now grade art based on effort and experimentation rather than technical skill, which I think is the right approach.