The academic landscape has been evolving in several ways, and one pivotal shift has been the increasing recognition of the role of art in educational settings. In our second-grade class at one of the premier pre k 3 public schools in Houston, we have seen the immense impact of integrating various forms of art to not only enrich our curriculum but also bolster the social and emotional well-being of our students. This has been particularly important as the young learners transition back to in-person education following the disruptive phase of remote learning during the pandemic.
The Need for Focusing on Mental Well-Being
During the transition from online to physical classrooms, it became increasingly apparent that student engagement was directly connected to their emotional health. Focusing solely on academic achievements seemed insufficient; students needed a holistic approach that also included the nurturing of their social and emotional skills.
The Interdisciplinary Role of Art in Classrooms
Incorporating art isn’t just an extra activity but a catalyst for encouraging meaningful dialogue, fostering empathy, and boosting emotional intelligence among students. Each artistic endeavor in our class is paired with engaging conversations that facilitate emotional and intellectual growth. We have also been privileged to collaborate with an array of creative professionals, including dancers, musicians, and artists, to provide unique experiences for our students.
Seven Art Forms to Reinvigorate Learning and Emotional Growth
Musical Moments: One effective strategy has been creating a playlist from songs suggested by the students. This simple gesture boosts morale and provides a personalized touch to classroom activities.
Theatrical Role-playing: Through scenarios and role-plays, students are guided to articulate their feelings and deal with real-life challenges. This process is an excellent tool for conflict resolution and helps children develop a healthy emotional vocabulary.
Melodic Expression through Singing: Singing has turned out to be a joyous collective activity that also aids in transitions between various educational topics. Singing also provides a unique platform for students to discuss the inspiration and the meanings behind various songs.
Visual Arts – Drawing and Painting: Our collaboration with organizations like City Arts in New York has been especially enriching. After virtual sessions with professionals, students felt inspired to create art that represents complex themes like peace, hope, and community. The visual representation through art also enables them to discuss a plethora of elements like texture, color, and composition, thereby enhancing their analytical skills.
The Power of Dance: Dance sessions not only provide a physical outlet but also offer insights into students’ personalities. It’s a liberating form of expression that has especially proved therapeutic for some students.
Poetic Journeys: The use of poetry in the class has elevated language appreciation and comprehension skills. Poetry days are some of the most awaited activities on our calendar, and they invariably lead to discussions on how language can evoke emotions and memories.
Narrative Storytelling: We use Harmony SEL’s free platform to encourage ‘personal treasured days’, akin to a modern version of show-and-tell. It’s an empowering method for students to bring in objects of personal significance and share stories about them, fostering greater classroom unity and mutual respect.
Art as an SEL Catalyst
Incorporating arts into the curriculum has reaped more than just academic benefits. We’ve seen considerable growth in emotional intelligence, empathy, and social skills among our students. The integrated approach not only enhances the student experience but also aligns closely with our broader vision as one of the leading pre k 3 public schools in Houston, which emphasizes the holistic development of each child.
Final Thoughts
While the debate on how to best facilitate social and emotional learning continues, one thing is clear: the integration of arts offers a promising avenue. By creating an environment where students feel valued, safe, and capable of expressing themselves, we’re building a foundation for not only academic success but also lifelong emotional well-being. So, as we look forward to the new academic year, it’s worth considering how art can become a permanent fixture in our educational framework for the comprehensive development of our young learners.