I think in many cases children are very hands on. When they have the opportunity to incorporate arts with their other curriculum, children are able to absorb more. Learning and retention will take place because they will be able to experience what they are learning first hand and have meaningful learning take place.
Another reason arts are important to incorporate into other studies is because children typically associate art class with “fun.” Children need to feel like every subject is exciting and enjoyable, EVEN MATH!!! Having children do “art projects” that are enforcing their learning in other subjects will help them develop a strong foundation that learning is exciting and fun and enjoyable. That foundation should help them as they move on to future classes and keep them motivated- and even entertained by learning. They will come to associate learning (in all subjects) with fun, and what is a better motivator than fun?
It is very important however, to not use the excuse that because art is being incorporated into other curriculum that it does not need its own time to be focused on in the classroom. Art needs to be taught in a sequential, thorough way and incorporating art in other areas might not cover the important aspects that need to be covered. Both integration and simply having an art class-time is necessary.
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