week 5 reflection

What: I learned from developing the text was the ability to make a theatrical production using a childrens literature book. I liked the idea of going the extra mile to make a book more memorable. I also like how some of the other groups were able to introduce some of the same key themes using a totally different drama process.
So What: I liked the interview with several people up front to find a viewpoint of a character. It was a low risk way of getting a viewpoint of several students. I also liked the idea of turning out the lights and creating the ambiance of the book with sound.
Now What: I have seen how I could do it for a childrens book, now I can see how to change it too a social studies topic, English, Spelling, math, and science. With the interview technique I could use it on several different disciplines.

week 4 reflection

What: I have learned a lot of fun role playing, and acting games that I can use to introduce or supplement a lesson plan. I have never played those games before they were entertaining. So What: I think that the game of the interview with the little red riding hood crew was fun it got students to see a different point of view. That game could be good for an English, Art, or Social Studies lesson. I like the mirror activity as well it would be fun to build some unity in the classroom. I also like the different machines to create a fun atmosphere. Now what: I believe that Drama is another way of reaching out to all of your students, keeping fresh ideas, livening things up, and engaging those students who normally would not participate. I am convinced that English, Math, Science, Social Studies and everything else are not separate in the real world. Excellent teaching should incorporate many different disciplines at the same time.

week 3 reflection

What: I have learned that through the arts you can teach more than Proportion, Balance, Variety, Rhythm, Emphasis, and Unity. I never would have known about Booker T. Washington's story if I had not been in that class. That story about Booker T. Washington would be a perfect way to teach a social studies lesson. The Brooklyn Bridge would be another way to teach math or science. Chapter 7 is a great resource to get an idea started for teaching a lesson with the arts. a real hands on lesson is a lot easier if there is a starting point like in chapter 7.

So What: In the last class we had, we were able to see several ways of teaching while integrating the arts. Art invites so many levels into instruction, I want to try to make a criteria for my classes, that is almost like a checklist that allows me to make sure that some sort of art form is used. There is probably one out there already, but that would be nice to ensure a good art lesson. Play-dough, painting, children's books, acting, and field trips can only deepen learning.

Now What: The teacher in the video clip in Jordan School District was acknowledged by the district as being an outstanding teacher. He integrated art in his instruction. I got goose bumps thinking that I could be a teacher like that. I know that with budget cuts, arts are sadly shrinking. If there can be a way to introduce art into almost everything we do, I believe the students would greatly benefit from that.

Reflection #2

What: I have learned from the text is that there are many possible ways teach the arts in class. The arts in class is something that I want to try to incorporate anyway. From the class portion, I found that its not all that easy to get through your lesson plan if your rushed for time. creativity takes time to unfold. So What: That means that when I have a lesson I want to teach, I have to be able to have enough time blocked out so I can encourage creativity and not rush. I can also just try to be flexible and shorten some aspects of the lesson to fit my time frame. Now What: Being prepared in the classroom can be the difference between bad instruction and great instruction. I will prepare a lesson by having the state core standards and objectives met in my instruction. I will then write a lesson plan to satisfy the objective. Once I have an idea, I will collaborate with other teachers to see if I can improve on something for the class or for myself. finally I would go over the lesson to see if it will take up the right amount of time, and if it is engaging for the kids. My perspective has changed toward teaching a lesson, I thought I could just have background knowledge and teach the lesson, but that can create pacing issues, and incomplete lessons. By going through all of theses steps above I hope to have a better experience for myself and for my students. I have been through some bad lessons before and I know they could have been better through a complete lesson plan. That is what I hope to accomplish, great art instruction.