Integrated Arts Assignment

While quality, effective reading and math instruction for all students is vital for our students, we must not overlook the importance of arts integration, STEM, and physical education. These are all disciplines that when incorporated to their full potential can have a huge impact on teachers and students. They as well as reading and math instruction all play a significant part in our students lives. 

         STEM or the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, instruction is essential for our 21^st century learners. In the article, What Is STEM and Why Does It Matter? Judith Ramaley was quoted as saying, “students solve real-world problems and create opportunities.” (Watson, 2017) STEM allows students to create learning not simply memorize it. Instruction becomes child-centered instead of driven by content.  (National Association of Elementary School Principals, 2018) This type of instruction makes learning real for students. It motivates them and gives them the opportunity to be successful in the 21^st century. 

         Integrating the art across the curriculum is vital for our students. Allowing them to create their learning in their own way gives them ownership of their learning and makes it meaningful. Cheri Sterman states that arts integration is “an essential part of a well-rounded education” and that schools have seen “a profound impact on students and culture.” (Sterman, 2018) This is not surprising when students enjoy school and can show their learning in creative, unique ways school becomes a place students want to be and learning becomes something that they enjoy participating in. Arts integration across the curriculum has proven to increase teacher morale, impact student learning, and decrease student discipline problems. For these reasons and more, arts integration is crucial in our classrooms. 

         Physical Education class can be viewed by students and teachers as a place that gives students a break from learning and time to exert energy. And while that opinion is true, PE has the potential and necessity to be so much more. The Shake Up PE’s Status Quo article states that “when well done, the subject educates the whole child and helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to be physically active throughout their lives.” (Foley, McDonald, and Breiman, 2018) This can be accomplished through purposeful activities and games aligned with state standards. When PE becomes more than just “go play” and becomes carefully planned activities with specific outcomes, students develop the confidence and acquire the knowledge needed to enjoy physical activities beyond school. (Foley, McDonald, and Breiman, 2018) 

         These articles have very directly and effectivity explained why these disciplines are so important to our students. In addition, they also provided teachers the how to implement. The arts, STEM, and physical education are not just something that we do. They must be something that we integrate meaningfully with purpose. These disciplines can and should have a direct and important impact on our students and their success.