Even though the school year ended two weeks ago today, these last two weeks have been far from a break. Last week was spent working on writing curriculum, and then I headed to Washington DC for an arts integration conference put on by the Kennedy Center. My school is in the beginning stages of becoming and arts integrated school so my principal, the district's art specialist, an upper grade teacher, and I were sent to the conference to enhance our understanding of this type of school. My colleagues and I have spent the last three years participating in the Kennedy Center partner program through our local performing arts center and have already started integrating the arts into our general education programs for math, language arts, social studies, and science. The purpose being that with all the general curriculum we have to teach in order to pass all those tests, there just isn't time to teach the arts (fine art, dance, drama, music, etc) in addition to what is required. Integrating the arts, or using the arts to teach/assess core curriculum allows us to fit the art within our day. Plus, using the strategies make that basic curriculum enjoyable, so the kids are really engaged.
After the first week of break writing curriculum was over, the last thing I wanted to do was get on a plane and go work some more. I knew it would be a great trip, but I was tired. I had one day to get my act together and do laundry and pack before heading to DC first thing Sunday morning. And I'm sure glad I did. The conference was really well done. It was a combination of theory and practical application. The theory sessions simply solidified what we already know about integrating the arts, and the application sessions gave me some additional strategies to add to my teaching tool box.
My favorite of the integration units is teaching geometry with Kandinsky. The trainer walked us step by step through the lessons, using us as the students. I enjoyed the lessons thoroughly. I also participated in a session about teaching basic social skills using dance and using tableau as formative assessment.
I returned from DC on Thursday afternoon and am SO glad to be on break for real now. I look very much forward to being lazy in the month of July. But I have to admit, I'm really excited to return in August armed with more arts integration ideas. Teaching to the test isn't all that fun. Using the arts is right up my alley and inspires me just as much as the kids.
In a way there is a quest for the one great method and I don't think that's a good way to go. I do believe there's a good mix, and a good mix for certain schools. But people stating this is the way because that's the way we've done it since time uncallable is just bull. The USA was the very first place to teach all only about 100 years ago. And how many methods have we had in that time, and everything from flogging to fluff.
ReplyDeleteBut this seems, from what I've read, to be the most sane sensible and 'with' the kid that I've seen.
Right?!?! The problem with a "way" is that it doesn't take into account that every kid is incredibly different. What works for one kid is most likely NOT going to work for the one sitting next to him. Development is different, learning styles are different, and interests are different for each and every one of them. I do believe this approach tends to reach more kids than anything else I've ever tried. Plus, as I mentioned, I enjoy it. Teaching has lost a lot of its inspiration for me over the last few years...I HATE teaching to the test. The more I get to do this type of instruction, the more enjoyable it is for me.
DeleteDoes it take a huge amount of prep.
DeleteI can see where kandinsky would fit, what I find less clear is how you open it up to them. Or is it as simple as laying the metro map on the floor and getting them to measure the distances.
No, not really anymore prep than any other lessons I do. There are a couple of integration units that I've done (shadow puppets and these small boxed stories - both to teach comprehension) that took a lot of prep the first time. But now I've got them done, so anytime I use them they're ready.
DeleteThis particular lesson uses Kandinsky prints throughout to identify and practice lines and shapes. The large mural you see above is one of the last projects of the unit. We (the students) created the shapes and used them to create a giant classroom piece. Each time they set a shape or line down it has to be identified using characters (name, size, color, etc). After creating it, the instructor had us look at it in comparison to the Kandinsky prints and we talked about how it was similar and how it was different. The best part??? She then shook the black paper, removing all the shapes and lines (they weren't glued on) and we made another trying to style it more after the prints. Again, the kids would have to name the shapes and characteristics each time. So it is a lot of geo practice while also teaching the art form. The kids will just DIE when the mural is shaken out - so dramatic!! :) The final piece for the unit will be individual Kandinsky-like prints by each student.
It is a very basic geo unit for K-2, but so much is taught and reviewed.
What a gift you are to your students. Enjoy your summer break!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you back to blogging!!! :)
DeleteToday was brilliant...slept in, walked the dog, worked out, laid out in the sun and read. Heavenly!!!
Right up your alley is right! How inspiring and interesting. As a kid this would have helped me learn! Art was Friday afternoon and always taught isolated...that is why I loved Kindergarten because everything was art!! Hands on and fun. I didn't have to justify anything taught...and I have brought that along to second grade...without that wonderful training you just had. Now have a restful summer :)
ReplyDeleteI've read a lot of research about how all children have not hesitation about art up until about 2nd grade when we take out of the curriculum in order to teach to the test. K and 1st are much more used to integrating it. I really like how this allows me to continue using it without having to set aside separate time for it. Plus, it goes so well with the critical thinking skills that they need to be successful with common core (and life).
DeleteI've literally done nothing of substance for the last two days. Tomorrow though, I need to get going on my summer to-do list. It's taunting me right now. But I know if I just do something each day, it'll get done and I'll still have a lot of summer left. I hate it hanging over my head.
I love that your school is able to teach with the arts! That is absolutely awesome. I am also thrilled you will have a month to relax! : ) Breaks are vital.
ReplyDelete