Integrated Arts?

The Integrated Arts is a model designed to offer support, extension, and supplementary experiences in content areas through interdisciplinary arts activities. The Common Core Standards' emphasis on developing depth and rigor in thought and the ability to communicate relevant information with increasing skill provides the necessary impetus for this model. Content will be viewed through many lenses, allowing the entirety of relevant ideas to be processed and applied broadly and with added depth. Work with visual arts, music, drama, literature, writing, technology, and design will be incorporated and collaboration with classroom teachers will be ongoing. As Yeats wrote, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire". The Integrated Arts is an opportunity to light a very purposeful, very directed fire.

Friday, September 13, 2013

DeLaunay Days



Circle and color compositions inspired by Sonia and Robert Delaunay in conjunction with science studies of motion and forces


Composition, color, form, and technique all played a role in the third grade's first project of the year. Whereas every other grade level is beginning the year with large-scale, month-long projects, third grade is on a mission with color to be completed in two beautiful classes. Medium was at the student's discretion as they crafted compositions to evoke motion and force in response to science studies while echoing the work of the Delaunays. Perfection is not the goal here, though I would say that many of the projects are perfection in my eyes. 

Two things that tug my heart: children singing and children pressing against their creative boundaries and reaching levels.