What is Arts Integration and Why Is it Still Crucial?

James Bond Car - Curriculum Integration

Part 1: What is Arts Integration exactly? And what is NOT Arts Integration?  Curriculum Integration has been a buzzword for educators for the past few decades. But what does it actually mean? What does it entail from an individual educator’s perspective? And what are tangible benefits of teaching through an integrated curriculum?  We can start … Read more

Working with Vocabulary and the Drama Tools: Words in Motion Lesson

Working with Vocabulary and the Drama Tools: Words in Motion Lesson Writers and actors of all ages need to love words. This simple, quick, and fun circle drama activity brings words alive through the use of imagination and physical movement. With an emphasis on shape, level, gesture, and facial expression, actors communicate their ideas about … Read more

Why Frog and Snake Don’t Play Together Anymore Lesson

Why Frog and Snake Don’t Play Together Anymore Lesson This lesson provides rich opportunities for students to practice their collaboration and animal character skills, while learning an important message about prejudice and the power of friendship. Featuring an adaptation of the African folktale “Why Frog and Snake Don’t Play Together Anymore,” by Karen L. Erickson, … Read more

The Magic Closet Lesson

The Magic Closet Lesson Imagination and writing with descriptive detail are the focus of this magical adventure.  Students enter a closet owned by someone they create in their imagination, but soon find the closet holds secrets even more astounding.  Students work with a partner to act, describe, and then write about their journey into the … Read more

Sequencing a Story: The Kid Who Loved Cookies Lesson

Sequencing a Story: The Kid Who Loved Cookies Lesson Here is an easy way to introduce sequencing in both drama and language arts to young students.  In this lesson students color and sequence a series of pictures depicting a series of tasks.   Next, they enact those tasks found in the title story.  After playing the … Read more

Questioning Characters in Fiction and Non-Fiction Lesson

Questioning Characters in Fiction and Non-Fiction Lesson Get your actors of all ages interacting with text by becoming the characters, objects, or animals they are reading about. Actors work with a partner to create interviews and learn to ask important questions. Character building and questioning skills are the focus of this lesson. Questioning Characters in … Read more

Community Helpers Lesson

Community Helpers Lesson How can group juggling teach students the importance of community? This lesson provides a fun and effective way to teach students in grades 1-2 about how every individual plays a crucial role in their community. Starting with a game of “Team Juggling,” this lesson will also guide you and your class through … Read more

Brave Irene Lesson

Brave Irene Lesson This exciting tale of bravery, a snowstorm and a lost dress provides a thrilling way for students to practice their storytelling skills. Based on the book “Brave Irene” by William Steig, this lesson is a great way for students grades 2-5 to practice collaboration, cooperation and using body objects to represent details … Read more

Writing Story, Transformation, Imitation: Humpty Dumpty Lesson

Writing Story, Transformation, Imitation: Humpty Dumpty Lesson Building off the classic tale of “Humpty Dumpty,” this lesson allows students in grades K-2 to use their imaginations to put their own spin on the story. Starting out with warm-up activity to help students practice transformation and imitation skills, this lesson culminates in students working together as a … Read more

Before I Couldn’t, But Now I Can – With Story Lesson

Before I Couldn’t, But Now I Can – With Story Lesson Immerse your students in imitation with this simple but crucial lesson! “Before I Couldn’t, But Now I Can” breaks down one of the most important drama skills. Students in grades K-3 have the chance to hone their concentration and imitation skills, with the option … Read more