Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Values of the Arts

The values are many, but the commitment these day seems so large - most importantly time away from areas in the curriculum which will be tested. I understand. I live this each day in my own classroom, but it is a calling to which we must find the courage – to infuse our students with art – all of it – in order to develop a society of well rounded, fully capable individuals and team players.


Let’s ponder for a moment the hidden curriculum found in arts and arts education:

Determination, value of practice, cooperation, communication, independent work, stick-to-itiveness, sense of self, pride, sense of community, culture


This is not a new platform – that of the hidden values of education, but one that does seem to be brushed aside. They get that from athletics, in school, at home. But in the arts the experiences are real too and cannot be substituted. They are their own experience and who are we to deny that from our children.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Get a community started

There are so many people out there that really do believe in arts education and the values it has on students and people of all ages. I come across these people all the time: at my school, at workshops, online, across the country and down the street.

Music and the arts are being fed to our children when they are babies, toddlers, in preschool and as they grow older and older, their arts education (including exploration and appreciation) gets less and less. We understand what this type of creative expression does for our children's (and our) happiness, balance and sense of self.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a public community for that to happen? A community where people anywhere and any age could share ideas, work together and help bring arts education and integration into the forefront? I would LOVE to see that happen.

If you are interested in being part of one, join The Inspired Classroom group on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=82481450123&ref=share