Using the Arts to Promote Learning

There is an amazing method of teaching and learning that has been around for a while, but is just now being rediscovered. Students are now taught by new techniques of learning at various elementary schools in Tucson Arizona. The teachers have teamed-up with the OMA, Opening Minds through the Arts, instructors to educate students by using new methods of learning.“Created in 2000, OMA is a research-based program that correlates its curriculum with the neurological development of children, kindergarten through eighth grade. The concept has proven to be such a successful one that OMA is bringing it to schools across the state” (Miller, 2). This innovative approach is incorporating Fine-Arts with the traditional classroom lectures to promote academic intensification.

Many teachers have noticed a great deal of progress in the students’ knowledge by infusing the Arts into classroom lectures. For example, Peter Howell Elementary School first graders are learning how plants photosynthesize food from sunlight through their teachers and Fine-Art instructor. The teacher and instructor are dressing up like plants and singing opera to creatively illustrate the scientific process (Miller, 1). Kindergartens through eighth graders are learning by using instruments, opera, dance, performing plays, and other various forms of Art in lectures.

The children are now becoming enthusiastic about learning by their teachers applying the Arts in lectures. Teaching through the arts creates an environment where learning is viewed as fun and not as something to be feared or intimidating. Students are learning better because they are not fearing education. However, they are embracing it.

As I was reading this article, I tried to think back to my school days and remember if any of my teachers had used the arts to teach me. I finally thought of an event that was deeper than coloring pilgrims to learn about Thanksgiving. It was the time when I was in kindergarten and my teacher taught my class the Pledge of Allegiance through song. Still to this day tune is in my head and I will never confuse the words thanks to the song.

Also, I remember another incident in which my third grade teacher was trying to improve my classroom's comprehension skills. She assigned us different characters in a story and we were to read our lines when cued and to act. This strategy she used helped all of us to get a better image of what was going on in the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. I loved it so much that I started 'googleing' using the arts to teach. I found loads of information. Amazon and other distributing book companies have many resources that teachers can utilize to teach their students by using the arts in their classrooms. I will teach by using the arts when I become a teacher. I feel that students will have a better concept of the material. I also believe that the information students learn will stick in their heads better and the knowledge will stay with them longer.Teaching styles and methods have adapted for centuries and this particular method is making change in how children learn and process information.

Using the arts to promote learning is a very innovative way to make lessons more enjoyable for teachers and students. Teachers are very pleased in knowing that their students are learning by this particular technique. Every teacher should try and expand their teaching skills by incorporating the arts into their teaching styles

Miller, Alexa. “Fine-Arts Techniques Linked With Academic.” EdWeek. 8 Feb. 2010 http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/01/10/323252bczrtstechniques_ap.html .