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.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Creativity Overflowing...








When a child is five years-old their minds are full of ideas and images, unfettered by the rules and constructions that enter as they mature and are taught how things "ought to be". As we explore issues of organic versus "hard" line and contrast building to emphasize subject matter, we are able to create a whimsical expression of the mind of a kindergartener.

This process started with a guided drawing of a cartoon face. It's simplicity is its charm, yet it is a challenge for young hands to craft such an expression. Many giggles were heard as our characters emerged from our papers. Next, a series of organic and "hard" lines were shown eminating from the head, filling the space with symbols of thoughts and ideas. Finally, those lines were echoed in colored lines while a background of color create contrast to focus attention on the character.

This was meant to be a short, sweet project to provide immediate reward for our youngest artists as they had been exceedingly patient with a prior long-term project. Students were full of smiles as they walked home with their fanciful drawings. I hope they found a place on your refrigerator or wall!

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