Chapter 8 Integrating the Arts into the Curriculum

How can art activities be integrated throughout the curriculum?  Art is a powerful learning tool. It develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.  An integrated program provides children opportunities to experiment with materials, but express what they are learning by using visual and spatial symbols.

How can art activities be integrated throughout the curriculum?  Lessons must be intertwined so that children acquire art concepts and skills. Use art to CONNECT LEARNING across the disciplines, and respond to experiences through art.  Can you think of a concept that you learned and it was enhanced with art or a visual image?

How can art activities be integrated throughout the curriculum? Step 1. Teaching about art

How can art activities be integrated throughout the curriculum? Step 2 - Connecting Art  Enriches the learning experience because it provides multiple pathways for children to learn  Sometimes a question may set the stage for an art activity  Art can lead the way into other lessons

How can art activities be integrated throughout the curriculum? Step 3 - Learning through art  Art is found everywhere in the classroom  In order for integration to occur, children must have ideas and experiences to express.

What is emergent curriculum? (Reggio et. al.) Teachers and children working together to explore ideas that interest them Teachers model enthusiasm and wonder Teachers ask tantalizing questions Teachers gather resources and plan experiences and activities (web)

What is Project Approach? (Katz & Chard 2000) An in-depth study of a particular topic that one or more children undertake. Starts with carefully selected topic Very effective in multi-age classes because activities draw on differing skills and knowledge of each child

Value of Integrated Curriculum (Gardner et. al.) Caine, et. al. (2004) find that when a thematic approach is used, conditions are created that match optimum requirements for “brain-based” learning. Brain-based learning is the informed process of using a group of practical strategies that are driven by sound principles derived from brain research. (Jensen, 2004)

Value of Project Approach (p. 117) Breaks down divisions between subjects Challenges teachers to be creative Relies on children’s intrinsic motivation Matches or challenges skill levels Children become experts at own learning Children reflect on & evaluate their contribution leading to accountability

What is an THEMATIC approach? Guidelines for theme selection  Teach to their world…… (student interests)  Check the Ohio Academic Content standards, see if you can cover more than one subject  What do I, the teacher, know about &/or want to learn more about?  What resources do I have or can I get?  What are my time restraints?

What is an THEMATIC approach? Art in thematic units Open ended Every day &/or special materials Responsive activities (Drawing, Individual journals, storytelling center) Group activities

What is an THEMATIC approach? Planning a Thematic Unit  Brainstorm possibilities  Span the range of developmental areas  Tap into domains of multiple intelligences (comprehensiveness)  Think of vocabulary  Be flexible

What is an THEMATIC approach? The Thematic unit in action  Check logistics (room arrangement, time needed, etc.)  Think about topics needed to be covered in other subjects.  How will you begin? end? (initial events & ending celebrations - videotape, share with parents, student displays, students share work)  Evaluation - Do a self evaluation

Begin with a standard Grade level: K-2 Subject area: science Standard: Knows about the diversity and unity that characterize life. Benchmarks: Investigate the different structures of plants and animals that help them live in different environments (e.g., lungs, gills, leaves and roots).

What is an INTRODUCTORY experience?  A short attention getting activity  The purpose is to get students ready to learn.

What is an INTRODUCTORY experience? Selecting an Introductory Experience  It nurtures creativity. It should encourage a wide range of artistic responses.  It develops understanding. It increases children’s perception awareness and cognitive understanding.  It matches needs and interests.  It matches the ages and attention span of the children.

What is an INTRODUCTORY experience? Designing Introductory Experience Be alert. Listen to what the children are talking about. Create enthusiasm. Model enthusiasm and ask high level questions. Extend the experience. Build on prior knowledge.

What is an INTRODUCTORY experience? Curriculum Connections Planning activities that connect across the curriculum helps children appreciate the interconnection of all knowledge and learning. Both art and science require fine observation skills. Identifying patterns plays an important role in art, math, music, science and literature.