Reflection Week #1 - The Beginning

What: 

My personal experience with the arts began at an early age. I was first introduced to singing by tapes my mom would purchase for us that we would sing and dance to as kids. I took violin lessons for a little while and then switched to piano, and finally fell in love with singing. I was in choirs all throughout my K-12 experience, and still love music today. I also loved to color, and use the computer to design projects. I once thought that the field of graphic design was something I wanted to go into, but soon discovered that my true passion was in the field of education.

While I was in elementary school the things that I remember most are lessons that were integrated with the arts. In almost every grade I can think of something that we did that involved the arts. We made books about our science projects where we drew pictures and wrote text. We had a real life pioneer city when we learned about the history of Utah, and we learned to be good citizens by singing songs about our country. These experiences taught me what I needed to learn in a very fun memorable way.

Before reading this chapter I had never considered using the arts in ways like the teacher did while reading about slaves. I loved that she had them act out what she was talking about so that they could have an experience similar to those of the slaves. I also liked the idea of using background music. Music is such a powerful way of creating and expressing feelings, and can add dept to just about any area of instruction.

So What:

Having the arts be a constant part of my life growing up I believe was one of the reasons that I did so well in school. I was a shy student, but the arts gave me a way of expressing myself that I felt comfortable doing. When the arts were integrated in the classroom it also helped me to retain the information. My most favorite teachers in elementary school were the ones that frequently used the arts in their classroom. They were the classrooms in which I felt most comfortable. My least favorite were those that focused more on oral presentations, and book work. Because of this fact I want to be a teacher that frequently integrates art with the curriculum. I know the power it can have to give a child confidence, and that is something I want my students to be able to develop.

Now What:

Since I want to be a teacher that frequently integrates art I need to be creative and learn ways that I can effectively use the arts in a classroom. I need to be willing to go outside of the box and test new ideas that I may come up with, and not be afraid to fail. I want to learn all I can from those that are currently experts in art integration sot that when I have my own classroom I will be adequately prepared to give my students the best experience I can give.