Forum Post 3: Discussion for Assignment #5

• What speaks to you?
I really appreciated the explanations on the difference between art enhancement and art integration. That makes so much sense and what it takes to really integrate the arts into other subjects. The need for a good arts program would definitely be important and the ability to collaborate with the arts teachers.

• Does it give you any ideas?
Yes! It is making me access how I can really practice integrating arts into my special education classroom. I have a student coming into my classroom next year with very high needs. This may help give her access to the general education curriculum in ways I had not thought of before.

• How do you integrate art into your current curriculum?
Currently, I must say that I do not do much, if any, true integrating. I have a student with significant disabilities draw a picture to go along with the reading passage we do, but that is more for her “writing” than as an art component.  I do art and music in my classroom with another student, but that is me using the art and music curriculum just in an alternate setting.

• Other reactions?
I saw on another post that the writer questioned starting with art enhancement and then moving onto art integration. At first, I thought that seemed like a natural progression, but then I changed my mind. I think they are too different to be used in a progressive manner.
I really am going to work on this. I think it’s great!

I agree that the need for a good art program will really make a difference. The video made me excited to think about how I can incorporate art across different subjects. When the students were looking at the flower and talking about the "fuzzy" on the stem it reminded me of my class and how they are always so interested in what we are learning about. They are first graders so they are always looking and using their "eyes" to learn something new.