Article Arts Integration Resources
This collection on arts integration draws from more than a decade of the Kennedy Center’s efforts to clarify arts integration principles and implement best practices.
Creating a Topic
Explore how arts integration connections are made
Arts integration topics are developed in one of two ways.
By connecting a specific arts focus with:
- a specific subject area in the curriculum or
- a specific area of concern/need.
For further explanation, for "Explore the Definition" and go to the section "Which connects an art form and another subject area."
What is a specific arts focus?
Arts integration connections are built with a specific arts focus rather than a general one. For example, rather than trying to make a connection to “theater,” it is more productive to make a connection to a specific area within theater—for example, “story dramatization,” “role play,” or “script writing.” Instead of making a connection with “visual art,” it is more helpful to be specific—for example, “weaving,” “collage,” or “illustration.” Similarly, instead of planning a connection with “music,” it is more helpful to use “song writing” or “rhythm.”
What is a specific curriculum area or specific area of concern/need?
Arts integration connections are built with a specific curriculum area or a specific concern/need.
For example, instead of connecting to “history,” the connection could be to “the Revolutionary War” or “American migration in the early 1900s.” When connecting to a specific area of concern/need, instead of “character education,” the connection could be to “bullying” or instead of “social skills” the connection could be to “collaboration.”
In sum, arts integration topics are created by connecting a specific arts focus with a specific curriculum area or a specific concern or need.
Examples by Art Form
Click on an art form listed below to see examples of specific arts focuses and examples of specific connections to curriculum and concerns/needs.
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Writers
Lynne B. Silverstein
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Editors & Producers
Amy Duma
Kenny Neal -
Works Cited
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Updated
January 14, 2020
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This collection of articles provides tips on involving and engaging parents and caregivers in their students' arts education.
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