Integrating the ARTS through Journal Making

INSTRUCTOR(S): Dawn Schulz, Little Chute Elementary School, Little Chute, WI
GRADE LEVEL: PreK-8
SUBJECT: Language Arts, Science & Art/Design Education

We already know that the heart and soul are drawn to beauty and color; hence, we must engage our students with its use through the integration of core subjects with the arts.  The more the senses are intertwined into the experience, the more we learn.  The use of journals has become a wonderful way to b ring color work, visual representation of knowledge and visual spatial constructs into classroom work.  Organizing a space graphically to share knowledge of a subject is an important capacity for all students but in some, is the primary learning style.  The opportunity to create a journal of this type allows students to go beyond the less complex task of note copying and on to the higher level thought process of organizing information into specific visual representations through the use of space, form, and color.

This class will provide you with ideas on how to create a variety of journals and projects while integrating the arts into core curricular areas.  We will incorporate many types of materials, such as interesting papers, fabric, paint, fund objects and more.  Class participates will learn various ways to use materials to enhance their subject areas while making journals to help their students create beautiful and meaningful projects.  During the week a spectrum of techniques will be covered while each participants creates an assortment of journals to be applied to their own classroom curriculum.  Also, we will discuss the variety of ways to journals can be used for assessment.

 

Wisconsin State Teacher Standards Addressed: 1-10
Wisconsin Model Academic Standards Addressed: A,B,C,D