Forum Post 2: Readings from Assignment #3

The first article stated how students were reluctant to answer questions when art is left out. The author referred to Elliot Eisner’s insights that students can become more effective problem solvers when exposed to multiple perspectives through the use of art. I would like to see more information on this particular theory, but it does make me want to incorporate art more into my classroom. I have a student with autism that is nonverbal, and he enjoys art. I need to think about art-like approaches that I can try to teach him the academic concepts. Since 5th grade students in my building have art once in a 6-day cycle, it is up to me to integrate art, especially with the student I know will benefit from such exposure, and for those others who may benefit from the approach.

The second article gave me a lot of insight into the benefits of teaching art within the core subjects. The numbers as far as percentage of growth was impressive. This article makes gives me a different perspective on the importance of art as a tool to reach students not as a secondary subject of its own.
Wilson Reading Program incorporates art (drawing) into reading comprehension. During that part of the lesson, the teacher pauses at integral parts and draws what they are visualizing when they read. This is modeling what the student will do. The idea is for the student to see what he reads. I envision a student drawing what he is reading with whatever tool he likes (chalk, marker, watercolors) to in his mind to help him better understand what he is reading or listening to. Here is a way that art can be incorporated into a literacy lesson. However, if the student does not have exposure to art lessons, this avenue may by intimidating and uncomfortable for him, thus causing more stress. This is just a snip-it of how denying students art instruction can eventually impact their learning.

The third article summed all the articles up by stating that in studies involving incorporation of art into core academics, not only did students enjoy the art component of it, but they also showed growth across the board.

I completely agree with you about the student who has Autism. He will for sure benefit from art and it will really help him enhance his abilities across different subjects. I have a couple of students who use art as a calm down method. They are very talented and gifted students who just need a way to express how they are feeling. I think the articles did a great job of allowing you to see how art could be used in a curriculum and how successful it has been in other schools.