The report finds that:

18% of children between three and seven years old take weekly lessons or instruction in music, art or other non sport activities. On the other hand, 80% “almost never” take lessons or instruction in music, art or other non sport activities. The remaining 2% take lessons or instruction in music, art or other non sport activities “about once a month”.

35% of children between three and seven years old take weekly lessons or instruction in dance, gymnastics or martial arts (or “other organized physical activities”). In contrast, about two-thirds (64%) “almost never” take lessons or instruction in dance, gymnastics or martial arts. Only 1% of children of all age groups take lessons or instruction in dance, gymnastics or martial arts “about once a month”.

A majority of children read on their own on a daily basis: 73% of three year olds do so (including those who “look at books”); 68% of four and five year olds do so; and 70% of six year olds read daily. The percentage is lower for seven year old children, 52% of whom read for pleasure daily. Note: The slightly different phrasing of the question for seven year olds (“read for pleasure”) may have an effect on these results.

The full report also examines the frequency with which parents sing or read with their children. In addition, the participation of children in multiple arts and reading activities is analyzed. Variations in children’s participation in the arts and reading based on a variety of demographic and geographic factors are also examined.

Funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council, the report is available free of charge on the Hill Strategies Research website (http://www.hillstrategies.com) and the websites of the funding organizations.