Arts Integration

What is Arts Integration? 

Arts Integration at Peeler-Hampton Visual and Performing Arts is an educational approach where an art form and another academic subject are intentionally connected, taught, and assessed together. It is a way of teaching where students construct and demonstrate understanding through a creative process that involves an art form.

Here are the key characteristics that differentiate art at Peeler-Hampton Visual and Performing Arts from simply using the arts as a reward or fun activity:

1. Dual Objectives: An effective arts-integrated lesson has clear, equal, and evolving learning objectives in both the art form 

2. Creative Process: Students must engage in an authentic creative process (imagine, explore, create, reflect, revise) to deepen their understanding, rather than just copying a predetermined art project.

3. Seamless Connection: The art form is not merely an "icing on the cake" or an enhancement; rather the art assists students in grasping the core concepts of the academic subject. 
 

What are some examples of Arts Integration at Peeler-Hampton VPA?

Science and Dance: Students create a short dance (using elements like tempo, level, and shape) to model and demonstrate their understanding of the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation).

Math and Visual Arts: Students learn about fractions by dividing a circle or square and using painting or collage to represent different fractional parts.

English Language Arts and Drama: Students use tableau (frozen scenes) to represent key events or demonstrate their understanding of character emotions and conflict in a book they are reading. 
 

Benefits of an Arts Integrated Curriculum:

Deeper Understanding: It helps students make stronger, more memorable connections between concepts, leading to longer retention of content.

Engagement: It increases student motivation, attention, and active participation in their learning.

Develops Skills: It fosters critical thinking, creative problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and self-expression.

Reaching All Learners: It provides multiple modes for students to acquire, process, and demonstrate knowledge, which is particularly beneficial for diverse learners