Why do educators need Arts Integration?

Feb 13

One of the primary reasons why educators should invest in arts integration pedagogy is that it promotes creativity and critical thinking. The arts – such as music, drama, dance, and visual arts – provide students with unique ways of expressing themselves and understanding the world around them. When the arts are integrated into other subjects, students are encouraged to think outside the box and devise innovative solutions to problems. They learn to be more imaginative and to think more deeply about the subjects they are studying.

Arts integration also improves students' overall academic performance. Studies have shown that students exposed to the arts regularly perform better in math, science, and reading subjects.

The arts help to develop essential skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to think abstractly. Additionally, the arts can make learning more fun, which helps keep students engaged and motivated.

“97% of KID smART teachers report an improvement in their students’ active engagement while learning”

Another benefit of arts integration is that it promotes students' positive social and emotional development. The arts provide self-expression, communication, and collaboration opportunities, which can help students develop critical social and emotional skills. The arts can also help build students' self-esteem and confidence, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

Arts integration is a valuable teaching method that can benefit both educators and students. By adopting this approach, educators can help their students to develop fundamental skills, such as creativity and critical thinking, through joyful learning – and teaching!

Interested in learning more about arts integration? Consider taking one of KID smART's professional development courses.