Many school districts are hyper focused on maintaining high standardized test scores. They believe the only way to achieve this, is to teach to the standardized tests but eliminating “specials” like: recess, family consumer sciences, gym, music and fine arts, is not the answer. Students will score higher on tests if their brains are allowed to experience “specials.”

Where can teachers get affordable professional development?

The Teacher’s Academy has created several online courses for teachers who believe in the importance of the arts and want to learn more about integrating them into the curriculum. Teacher professional development courses like: Move to Learn, Creating a School Garden, College and Career Readiness, STEAM as well as our Arts courses, offer multiple ideas on integrating activities into an existing curriculum. Integrating the arts into the curriculum supports higher brain functions, creativity, social and emotional learning as well as positive behavior and lowered rates of truancy.

Here are a few clips from our Arts-focused continuing education courses for teachers:

How do I Integrate the Arts in the Classroom?

Here is a clip for our course: Integrating the Arts in the Classroom:

One night, I was prepping my lessons for the following week and The Tonight Show Starring with Jimmy Fallon was on in the background. I heard what I though was Metallica’s Enter Sandman– a classic from my childhood- but something was different. The TV took my entire attention as I watched my revered metal hair band (and Roots!) from the 90s, rock out with toy instruments from my childhood. I paused…I stared at the screen… I took it in. This song is so dark- and yet I’m laughing out loud! It didn’t take much for the seed to be planted, and the next day’s lesson included homemade musical instruments and student performers.  If you’re a child of the 80s or 90s, you will surely enjoy this clip!

ART PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED

• Defining the Arts- Interview and Personal Reflection
• Ken Robinson Video Reaction
• Find your Inner Artist
• Value of Music, Performance and Visual Arts (Video Responses)
• Art Activities
• Integrated Arts Lesson Plan and Reflection
• Lessons from Artists: An Artist Study

How do I Teach Drama Across the Curriculum?

Here is a clip for our course: Teaching Drama Across the Curriculum:

In traditional drama classes, performance is the main component of the curriculum. However, drama-based activities, projects and assignments could easily be applied to almost any class, provided the instructor is interested in utilizing some of the basic ideas.  For example, script writing could be easily adapted for Social Studies in a performance portraying Martin Luther King addressing the American people.

Where can I find More Fun Activities for Students?

Perhaps students devise a debate amongst the three types of triangles for a Geometry class. Or maybe students could demonstrate an understanding of single cell organisms by developing a scene involving two such organisms.  What if an argument ensues between an amoeba and a paramecium under the microscope? Both are determined to prove their superior qualities…meanwhile, the organisms have this strange feeling that they are being watched!

This course is intended to serve as alternative approach to engage students and spark the imagination while keeping the focus on course content. Integrating drama can allow students to experience a new and refreshing approach to understanding curriculum topics. It can help build memory skills and connect with the content to deepen the learning process.  Students who have not previously responded to more traditional approaches, may connect with this type of learning because they are given an avenue in which they have an interest and/or a talent. The examples presented in this course will help teachers generate ideas. We encourage you to continue to explore new and different ways of integrating drama, long after you have completed this course!

Inspiration before we begin…

All drama needs some inspiration to be effective. As teachers, we are already performing in front of an audience every day. Our hope is that our teachers embrace and perfect their performances for the benefit of their students, but also for their own enjoyment. Shake off those old lesson plans and get creative with some fun, new ideas for preparing our students for life after school.

Think kids can’t write great drama? Check out this video!

Kid Theater with Jimmy Fallon and Tom Hanks

PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED

• Video Response: Art in Action, Dance and Drama Improving Student Achievement
• Create an Improvisation Game
• Character Development Worksheet
• Scripted Character Monologue
• Scene Outline
• Scripted Scene
• Lesson Plan Makeover

Where do teachers go for Continuing Education?

The Teachers Academy’s teacher advancement courses are approved by the PA DOE for Act 48 hours and New York for CTLE #3400, Texas CPE #902185 and Clock Hours in Colorado. IACET CEUs for Arizona, South Dakota, South Carolina and New Hampshire, Michigan and Massachusetts. Our teacher professional development courses and online teacher continuing education is relevant, affordable and convenient. Find your state to see if teacher advancement courses are available.