1. Space for students to gather
As educators, we understand the importance of a thoughtfully arranged classroom. The layout of our teaching space plays a crucial role in facilitating effective discussions, collaborative group work, and dynamic movement activities such as tableaux and dance. Take a moment to evaluate your classroom environment. Consider the following questions:
enhance both your teaching experience and your students' engagement, particularly as you incorporate the arts into your curriculum. 2. Procedures for class management Just as we carefully arrange our classroom space, it's equally important to prepare our students for the integration of the arts. At the start of the year, dedicate time to setting up clear procedures for managing student behavior and fostering a collaborative environment. Establish and communicate classroom norms that support effective group work. Design a structured approach for transitioning students from their seats to areas like the carpet or open floor for discussions and activities. Work collaboratively with students to form diverse partner and group combinations, ensuring a balance of skills and strengths. Additionally, set clear expectations for respectful audience behavior during performances. By planning these elements thoughtfully in advance, you'll facilitate smoother transitions and a more engaged, productive classroom environment. 3. Art materials and recyclables Integrating the visual arts into your classroom requires a well-stocked array of materials. To set your students up for success, ensure you have these five essentials on hand: Sharpie markers (both fine and ultra-fine if possible), colored pencils, watercolors, construction paper crayons, and air-dry clay. Given that art supplies can be costly, think outside the box and consider incorporating recyclables into your inventory. One versatile medium is cardboard—it's abundant and provides a fantastic base for numerous projects. Additionally, items like toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, old t-shirts, and buttons can all be repurposed to inspire creativity. Embrace these resources to enrich your classroom and support your students' artistic exploration. 4. Courage to try new things As arts integration teachers, we often encourage our students to step out of their comfort zones and explore new approaches. Similarly, we must be willing to stretch our own boundaries and incorporate diverse activities into our classrooms. If visual arts are your forte, set a goal to introduce elements of dance or movement into your lessons. If music isn't your strong suit, consider integrating a song or drumming beat into your teaching. By demonstrating your own willingness to take risks and embrace new challenges, you inspire your students to do the same. This approach not only enhances their learning experience but also builds their confidence to explore and experiment creatively. 5. Excitement for a brand-new year Finally, infuse your classroom with excitement and energy. Make it clear to your students that the arts are a vibrant and engaging part of their learning experience. Embrace the fun by laughing, singing, dancing, and exploring alongside your class. Your enthusiasm will not only set a positive tone but also encourage your students to fully engage with the arts throughout the year. Enjoy every moment and celebrate the creative journey that lies ahead for both you and your students.
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AuthorCyndi Waddell is a native South Carolinian and graduated from Columbia College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a major in Dance. She also holds a Master of Education degree from Converse College. After graduation she danced professionally in Cleveland, Ohio and New York throughout the late 1980’s. After returning to South Carolina in 1990, she began teaching dance education in the public schools and currently is the dance specialist at Stone Academy of Communication Arts in Greenville County. In the course of her career she has supported arts education through service on the writing committee for the South Carolina Dance Standards, as the President of the South Carolina Dance Association, as South Carolina Dance Educator of the Year, as a grant reader for the South Carolina Arts CommissionSouth Carolina Department of Education and as a participant and facilitator for the Curriculum Leadership Institute in the Arts and the South Carolina Arts Leadership for Success Academy, and as a member on the National Dance Education Organization’s Mentorship Committee. AuthorSarah Blackman is a poet, fiction and creative non-fiction author originally from the Washington D.C. area. She graduated from Washington College, summa cum laude, with a BA in English, minor Creative Writing, and earned her MFA from the University of Alabama in 2007 with a primary concentration in fiction and a secondary concentration in poetry. Her poetry and prose has been published in a number of journals and magazines, including The Georgia Review, Denver Quarterly, Crazyhorse, and American Poetry Review among others. Blackman is the co-fiction editor of DIAGRAM, the fiction editor of Cherry Tree and the founding editor of Crashtest, an online magazine for high school age writers which she edits alongside the students at the Fine Arts Center. Additionally, she is a fiction reviewer for Kirkus. Her story collection Mother Box was the winner of the 2012 Ronald Sukenick/American Book Review Innovative Fiction Prize and was published by FC2 in 2013. Her novel, Hex, was published by the same press in April, 2016. In 2018 she joined the board of FC2 and in 2020 she was awarded a South Carolina Humanities Individual Artist Fellowship. She is represented by the Wylie Agency. AuthorRoger E. Simpson, Jr. is the Education Associate for the Visual & Performing Arts for the SC Department of Education. Prior to this position, Roger worked as a music educator in SC schools. 
AuthorJeff Robinson is the Executive Director of SC Arts Alliance, which is SC's champion for arts support. Jeff is also the Chair of PSAE's Board! 
AuthorThis blog was compiled by Melody Powell with contributions from Chris Crabb and Katie Kerechanin. AuthorJenny Kabool has been the Executive Director of Palmetto State Arts Education since 2022. A life-long lover of all things theater, she has performed on stage in musicals, as a part of an improv team, and as a storyteller. She is mom to two awesome dino-loving boys. 
AuthorKayleigh Vaughn is the Director of Exhibitions and Programs at the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage and serves as the treasurer for the Palmetto State Arts Education board. With a passion for South Carolina’s cultural history, she curates exhibits that celebrate the state’s diverse heritage and artistic traditions. 
AuthorChristopher Crabb is a Project Manager with ArtsNOW and serves on the board for PSAE (Palmetto State Arts Education). Over his 20-year career in public education, Chris has served as a dance educator, arts-integration instructional coach, arts grant manager, and district coordinator of performing and fine arts. He was the 2022 Arts Administrator of the Year (SC Art Education Association) and a Top 5 Finalist for Beaufort County District Teacher of the Year. 
AuthorKerrie Kish is the principal at Fairforest Elementary, PSAE’s 2023 STEAM School of Excellence. Before transitioning into administration 9 years ago, she taught visual arts for 11 years at the elementary and middle school levels. Mrs. Kish serves on PSAE’s Board of Directors and avidly supports learners and leaders through STEAM integration. 
AuthorMelody Powell is a 3rd grade teacher at Stone Academy, an arts integrated elementary school in Greenville County. Outside of the classroom, Melody serves on the board for PSAE (Palmetto State Arts Education), works with the ABC Institute as a part of the Teacher as Curator cohort, and is an active teaching partner with the SMARTarts program (a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Arts Council). 
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