Welcome to the podcast for Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Methods. Your host is Dr. Nancy Russell.

This episode will provide an introduction to arts integration. In your arts methods course, you will be expanding your knowledge and use of visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Then, you will learn to use the arts as an approach to teaching. As you complete your studies in the course, you will learn about the power of arts integration to teach math, science, language arts, and social studies. Arts integration is often described as “teaching through the art.” The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts defines arts integration as "an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form. Students engage in a creative process which connects an art form and another subject and meets evolving objectives in both." Enjoy your exploration of arts and arts integration!

This episode of our Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Methods Podcast briefly reviews key learning theories highlighted in the course. To be a masterful teacher, you should have a strong understanding and be able to apply these essential learning theories. As you listen, consider how these theories support arts integration in your classroom. You should refer to Chapter 2 in your e-text, Creating Meaning through Literature and the Arts: Arts Integration for Classroom Teachers by Claudia Cornett for a comprehensive review of the learning theories of Gardner, Piaget, Maslow, and Vygotsky.

Today’s episode is taking a closer look at the developmental stages of children in the arts. The information shared today is from your e-text, Creating Meaning through Literature, and the Arts: Arts Integration for Classroom Teachers, by Claudia Cornett. We are specifically exploring Appendix A, on page 560. There you can read the complete Developmental Stages: Characteristics and Suggestions resource. Now allow me to share with you Claudia Cornet’s insights and research on the development of children in the arts for ages 7 to 9.