Chapter 8 in TPCK- the arts

In a time where teachers are being asked to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners, regardless of ability, the arts in an elementary classroom is more important than ever. Because the national standards cross disciplines in all content areas, it is 'safe' for us to spend time finding ways for students to develop voice and passion through all forms of art. I find, however, that this is not the case in most classrooms within my district. Whether it be from the lack of knowledge or lack of time, teachers who do integrate art do so in a sporadic, often meaningless way...For example, this fall, when the playground was littered with leaves of vibrant colors and beautiful shapes, one teacher chose to embrace the season by allowing her students to trace, cut and color prefabbed leaves. These kids were 3rd graders!!!! Ten years ago, when I was a first grade teacher, students approached Christmas in my classroom with a sense of excitement and wonder. We took an opportunity to make gifts for families based on what individual students wished to create. As a result, we learned to sew, choreographed dances, wrote poetry and songs, painted self-portraits. I can't tell you, as a parent, how many 'kit gifts' bought from Oriental Trading I have had under my tree lately. My children never seem to excited to have me open these gifts. Instead, they spend hours at home creating their own 'mom and dad' gifts from scratch. This year, my favorite gift was from my 10 year old son. He had made me a pillow, sewn together with duck tape, stuffed with paper towels.
The idea of exposing children to virtual galleries, art-based instruction on the web, and such programs as Band-in-a-Box is important if we are to teach children to use technology so that they can express themselves in a wide variety of ways. With art programs being cut across the nation, it is now even more important than ever for us to take on leadership roles so that the arts continues to improve the quality of children's lives...