Teaching and learning is enhanced using visual and performing arts as integral pathways to learning. Arts integration differs from traditional arts education by its inclusion as both an arts discipline and a traditional subject as part of learning.
The goal of arts integration is to increase the depth and breadth of general subject areas while concurrently fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of visual and performing arts throughout the grades, K-12.
EXAMPLES
Music, rhythm, movement, and dance are often used in our classes to enhance and enrich learning.
Students create works of art utilizing the Elements and Principles of Art that are thematically aligned with historical events or literary greats.
Students create art based on literature, historical events, historical themes, and cultural events.
Some examples of writing prompts that encourage the student to see the relationship between historical events, the arts, and culture are
- What influences did the Cold War have on American art, Literature, and culture after 1950?
- What examples are still evident here in California that illustrates the influence of Islamic Art?
Specific examples of integrating the arts into the science (STEAM) curriculum include:
- Painting the electromagnetic spectrum using watercolors
- “Electricity” acrostic poetry
- Creative writing for a “Create-A-Bird” project focused on adaptations
- Clay models of ladybug and/or butterfly life cycles
