4 Matching Annotations
  1. Jan 2026
    1. To conclude, in the past, and even somewhat today, the arts have been seen as something extra, and something fun to do if students needed a break from “real learning.” We now know that arts integration aligns with current best practices for teaching and learning, and that it offers a powerful way to help teachers return to the joy of teaching.

      This is interesting, and I am wondering how much further would teachers have to work during outside contract hours to make this a reality. Is this a realistic thing to expect most teachers to do? Yes, it is good, but I worry about more things being added on teacher's plates without additional pay. Just additional work. Another question, if it IS additional work and no additional pay, would that STILL be worth it? If it increases career satisfaction?

    2. Not only is arts integration engaging and motivating for students, teachers find that it also energizes them and their teaching. Teachers that have been relying primarily on textbooks and worksheets as instructional strategies report that they feel increasingly discouraged by the drudgery of teaching and the lack of student engagement4. Many become bored or disenfranchised, and even leave the profession.

      Not only is art integration good for students, but it is also good for teachers. I think that is an excellent argument, however a question I might have is is it good for ALL teachers? Or just those who are more creatively inclined? I am very creatively inclined, however I wonder if arts integration would have the same affect on a person who has never had much interest in creative arts.

    1. Traditionally, they are asked to communicate their learning through a report or on a test. However, when they are involved in arts integration, their learning is evident in the products they create, such as the dance, painting, or dramatization.

      This paragraph was interesting for someone who had ADHD. Tests have never been my forte and I'm constantly on the lookout for alternatives. I've never thought of music being an alternative!

    2. For example, students sing the ABCs as a means to other ends—remembering the letters and sequence of the alphabet.

      This is how I was educated in school when I was little. I remember so many subjects because they were taught through song. Not so much teaching students about singing and more so teaching students through song.