Arts Integration is AMAZING! Along with social emotional strategies, it has been one of the most impactful educational philosophies that I have implemented in my counseling and academic lessons. The students love learning and I love the creative idea process of making innovative lessons for my students. At the beginning, it was a bit overwhelming to think about resources that I need and how to get them within a teacher’s budget. Here are some really good foundational resources to use at the beginning of your Arts Integration Journey.
Visual Arts Supplies:
Basic: Paper, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Markers, Paint, Paint Brushes, Scissors, Glue, and Playdough ( super messy, but amazingly fun!)
A Little More to Spend: textured paper, larger paper ( think 18X24- great for a group project), tin foil, pom poms, colored feathers, and other textured items
Drama Supplies:
Basic: Books- think of books that have dynamic characters, improv books, butcher paper for ideas and brainstorming, colored steamers
A Little More to Spend: costume and props, microphones,
Dance Supplies:
Basic: Streamers and fun fluid fabrics to hold and use
A Little More to Spend: costume and props
Music Supplies:
Basic: Boom Whacke
A Little More to Spend: various instruments
Check in your classroom, I am sure that you already have a lot of the items on the lists above, especially for visual arts. Start building supplies in one area to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Perhaps you decide to focus on your favorite artform or you focus on the artform that you have the most supplies in.