Description
Book SynopsisAccessible and hands-on yet grounded in research, this book addresses the whats, whys, and how-tos of integrating literacy instruction and the arts in grades K-8. Even teachers without any arts background will gain the skills they need to bring music, drama, visual arts, and dance into their classrooms. Provided are a wealth of specific resources and activities that other teachers have successfully used to build students' oral language, concepts of print, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing, while also promoting creativity and self-expression. Special features include reproducible worksheets and checklists for developing, evaluating, and implementing arts-related lesson plans.
Trade ReviewTeachers know that children learn by doing and creating. This book gives teachers a deeper understanding of how to teach with and through the arts to increase literacy learning, and provides needed guidance and support. Demonstrated are ways in which a variety of art activities can be used to meet clear instructional goals.--Dana Reisboard Korin, doctoral candidate, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
This practical and meaningful book is among the first of its kind. Written by content experts who collaborated with dedicated teachers, the book articulates innovative activities and integrated instructional units that reflect the National Standards for Arts Education. Throughout, an abundance of comments and anecdotes from teachers demonstrates the impact of teaching through the arts to enhance literacy instruction.--Robin A. Ward, PhD, University of Arizona
This comprehensive guidebook offers classroom teachers a wealth of practical ideas for language-rich experiences in the arts. In addition, arts specialists will find valuable suggestions for infusing literacy into their lessons. An innovative text, this roadmap for creative differentiation invites all students into literacy learning. For 'hands-on, minds-on' reading and writing, don’t miss Teaching Literacy through the Arts.--Barbara A. Marinak, PhD, Millersville University
McDonald and Fisher have given teachers a practical and effective means of motivating students to improve their literacy skills through artistic expression. This unique text provides resources to help teachers capture students’ attention, build self-esteem, and utilize a multisensory approach to teaching literacy.--Francine Guastello, EdD, St. John's University
Rich communication, interpretation, and comprehension will come alive as students experience the integrated curriculum found in these pages. Included are practical, hands-on activities that not only will engage students in the universal language of the arts, but also will help them construct and increase their literacy skills at multiple levels.--Ann Ketch, MSE, Literacy Trainer, Des Moines Public Schools
- The six example units give any teacher, either new to the field or with experience and looking for new ideas, the information he or she needs to try engaging children in learning through the arts. A well-developed chapter of resources. --PsycCRITIQUES, 4/7/2006
Table of Contents1. The Five W's of Integrated Arts
2. The Role of Music in Literacy Achievement
3. The Role of Visual Art in Literacy Achievement
4. The Role of Drama in Literacy Achievement
5. The Role of Dance and Movement in Literacy Achievement
6. Putting It All Together
Resources
Appendix A. Stormy Weather: Leading Purposeful Curriculum Integration with and through the Arts
Appendix B. Movin' Along: The Poetry of Transportation
Appendix C. Expressive Literacy within Musical Listening: The Moldau, a Symphonic Poem by Smetana
Appendix D. Haiku: Active Learning with and through the Arts
Appendix E. American Panoramas: A Literature-Based Integrated Arts Curriculum Unit
Appendix F. Jazz Listening Activities: Children's Literature and Authentic Music Samples
