SU 4: Arts integration in the foundation phase.

Hello everyone.

As I was going through study unit 4, I couldn’t help it but remember something that I read from the Seneca Academy website. It was a piece of writing that has stuck with me through and through. And for me, somehow, going through this unit I just feel that it of vital importance that I share it with the rest of you.

“It was not long ago that arts education in schools was thought to be a luxury, and arts classes were cut from the curriculum to make room for more time to prepare for standardized tests. Currently, there is more and more information available that shows how crucial arts integration is to create well-rounded, well-prepared learners and leaders.”

This well written statement is supported by articles with titles such as “Teachers are using theater and dance to teach math — and it’s working,” and “Arts-Based Education Will Power the Creative Economy”. There are numerous articles that discuss the theory and research behind such claims.

Nonetheless, the arts (fine arts, drama, music, movement) have always been an integrated part of our lives. And it is our responsibility weave the arts into our core classroom curricula as well as teach specific artistic skills when it comes to the art.

My biggest challenge when it comes to arts is teaching and learning in music. I am not a natural born singer and I have a huge problem when it comes to learning music. However, I did enjoy teaching it to my learners.

Here’s a summary of what I’ve learned through experience about why arts integration is so important:

Working in the arts helps learners to develop creative problem-solving skills. Teaching through the arts can present difficult concepts visually, making them easier to understand. Art instruction helps children with the development of motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and inventiveness. Visual arts teach learners about color, layout, perspective, and balance: all techniques that are necessary in presentations (visual, digital) of academic work. Integrating art with other disciplines reaches students who might not otherwise be engaged in classwork. Arts experiences boost critical thinking, teaching students to take the time to be more careful and thorough in how they observe the world.