Using the arts across the curriculum: Integrated lesson plans

Arts integration is a pedagogical approach to teaching and learning that employs arts activities to teach concepts where the focus is on another subject area. The process of arts integration means that students are engaged in doing, making, problem-solving, working collaboratively, and enjoying a voyage of discovery. When working collaboratively the results are seen through engaged students and creative outcomes. In this manner students learn about themselves and others and when working creatively, there are generally no right or wrong answers. This allows students the space to develop confidence and communication skills. When actively involved in making and doing, students retain knowledge. They make decisions, and through problem solving, draw on multiple intelligences to create their own meanings.