Arts integration has had such a profound impact on the way I support students. It has been m Here are five of the most important ways that arts integration has impacted my counseling lessons.
1 . My core curriculum lessons became more fun to teach. When I first started working as a school counselor, I would read a book and then print out a worksheet for them to work on. I did not know how to make concepts such has anxiety, kindness, and friendship more engaging. The use of dance, drama, visual arts, and music in my lessons allowed me to create fun lessons for me to teach… and the students were way more engaged as well
2. They gave me so much more insight into the ability of students to cooperate with one another. When my arts integrated lesson included a cooperative project, students became more invested in the lesson. They wanted to be a part of the lesson and complete the task. Their investment in the activity allowed me to see natural dynamic conflicts, resolutions, and negotiations within the group, thus allowing me to help support them during the activity.
3. Students became more expressive and were able to share their feelings, ideas, and connections. Arts integration allows students to express themselves in more diverse ways. Sometimes, it may be visually through a visual art created activity, and sometimes it may be during a conversation about certain art pieces or artists. Since students are invested in what we are doing, they are more inclined to share their creative gifts and feelings
4. Teachers appreciated my lessons… especially when I was able to tie it into their content lessons. When I took the time to connect ASCA Mindsets and behaviors, arts integrated standards, and content standards, teachers really appreciated that I felt that their curriculum was important too. It was easier than it might seem. An example would be perspective taking, visual arts and ELA or cooperation and architecture in math.
5. It taught me to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Arts integration is not as intimidating as it may look, but sometimes I did feel awkward when implementing it, especially when it included dance in my lessons. Even thought it was strange at first, it did teach me to continue to put myself in situations that I learn and grow, even if it makes me feel uncomfortable at first.
Arts Integration is a fun way to use creative ways to engage your students in meaningful lessons that they love to participate in. If you are looking for an already created resource that you can use, consider checking out my Arts Integration in School Counseling workbook through Youthlight Inc.
Want more ideas? Here is an Edutopia Article that I wrote as wellJ