Liston Masters Portfolio 1

Art Integration Statement

Teacher engages learners in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication

to address authentic local and global issues using the arts (music, dance, theatre, media
arts, and/or visual arts).
Art education is an important aspect of elementary education. Through art education,

students can develop critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness.

Firstly, art education can develop children’s critical thinking skills. Art encourages

children to think creatively and critically. They learn to solve problems and make decisions by

exploring different art forms, materials, and techniques. In my lesson here, students learned

about an Alaskan project and artist Carl Saxild. Throughout the lesson, students were given the

opportunity to make connections with Alaska through art integration. According to a study

conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts, children who participate in the arts have

higher levels of critical thinking and problem solving skills than those who do not participate in

the arts (NEA, 2012).

Secondly, art education can foster creativity. Art allows students to express themselves

in different ways, using different materials and techniques. They learn to experiment with

different colors, shapes, and textures, and to think outside the box. As you can see in the student

work, students were able to create using their own understanding and creativity. Through art,

children can develop their imagination and creativity, which can help them in their future careers

and personal lives (Eisner, 2002).

Thirdly, art education can promote cultural awareness. Art allows students to learn about

different cultures and their art forms. Through art, children can learn about the history,

traditions, and values of different cultures. Through the lesson taught, students learned about

Alaskan history, an art project that was initiated in 1937, and how art can have an impact on the

community. Students enjoyed art being integrated into the lesson and recreated some beautiful
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artwork. This can help them develop respect and appreciation for diversity and different ways of

life (Smith-Shank, 2014).

Fourthly, art education can improve academic performance. According to a study

conducted by the National assembly of State Arts Agencies, students who participate in the arts

had higher grades in English, math, and science than those who did not participate in the arts

(NASAA, 2013). Art can also improve reading and language skills, as students learn to read and

interpret visual images.

Lastly, art can improve social and emotional development. Art can provide a way for

children to express their feelings and emotions. It can help them develop self-awareness and

self-esteem, as well as empathy and understanding for others. Art can also provide a safe and

supportive environment for students to learn and work together, developing teamwork and social

skills (Burton & Horowitz, 2016). I enjoy using art as a form of discussion. Students can come

up with great topic related conversation using art as a facilitator.

In conclusion, art is an essential part of elementary education. It can develop critical

thinking, creativity, cultural awareness, academic performance, and social and emotional

development. Therefore, it is important for elementary schools to provide art to their students.

Integrating art into lesson plans can help students develop a range of skills and improve their

overall learning experience.

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References

Burton, J., & Horowitz, R. (2016). How arts education can positively impact student social
and emotional learning. National endowment for the arts.

Eisner, E.W. (2002). The arts and the creation of mind. Yale University press.

National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. (2013). Critical evidence: How the arts benefit
student achievement.

National Endowment for the Arts. (2012). The arts and achievement in at-risk youth:
Findings from four longitudinal studies.

Smith-Shank, D.L. (2014). Art education and cultural awareness: A global perspective. In the
sage handbook of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment (pp. 527-540). Sage.