Have you ever heard of arts integration across content areas in schools?
As a teacher, I’m always the learner. Quite the paradox, right?
I love studying new ways to engage my students and connect with them, so I’ve sought out professional development the past few years called The Institute for Arts Integration. I love their philosophies, resources, and support for teachers so they can feel confident and empowered to expand their instructional strategies beyond their certification and baseline savvy.
So what does this look like?
I’m an English teacher by certification, but I need to be just as effective in teaching math or art or music or science as I am in teaching English, reading, and writing.
So math. Ugh.
But I mean, I can’t really turn my nose up in disgust when, even the internationally acclaimed King of the ages has entertained the masses regardless of their academic lean by strictly adhering to the mathematical beat of iambic pentameter.
Modern pop culture’s finest influencer because he knew all minds can connect to arts integrated content.
(Oh, where would we be,
without Sir Willie.)
Reading comprehension + drama + modern technology + artistic expression + math = Ten Things I Hate about You
(Which is one of my faves!)
So, the point.
Our students need to feel a connection to their own learning. It needs to feel fun and entertaining. That can happen through arts integration because we as teachers can appeal to their interests and activate multiple brain sensors at once.
I will be continuing my studies of arts integration in order to learn more strategies for layering math, English, and science with creative expression.
Here are some things I’m practicing with my students so far-
Writing with watercolor painting:
We made a mystery game with trying to write spelling words in white crayon on white paper. Then, we painted watercolor over the words to reveal how silly our handwriting is when we can’t even see what we are writing. We talked about watercolor strategies during the painting component. After the painting, I had the student re-write the words on notebook paper to help me remember which words I had given her.
Framing practice session with silliness helps remove pressure and anxiety which limits learning for students. My student didn’t know I was evaluating her – it was just fun. But I’ve gained feedback on her handwriting, spelling levels, following multi step instructions, attention span, short term memory. I know what to prepare for instruction in our next lesson. I did not use a “placement test” with formal data, and yet I know where to adjust me instruction.
And for her, tutoring was fun today.
I’m excited to pick out song lyrics with her in our next session. She loves music and we’re going to emphasize reading comprehension, stamina, and memorization by learning new songs to sing together each week.
So cheers to you, Mr. Shakespeare, as I pass on to the next generation your magical beats.
If you’re interested in learning alongside me and would like a unique, engaging, accessible, and applicable continuing education course, The Arts Integration Institute offers virtual and in-person professional development opportunities.
I can’t wait to learn how to better integrate math with our creative pathways- like maybe applying geometry to our set design and construction for our school’s spring production: Romeo and Juliet’s Comedy of Errors.
If you are seeking a personalized tutoring experience for your student, contact us to discuss goals and enrollment.
