Arts integration utilizes fine arts as a tool for student learning. While this practice has been around for decades, it has significantly expanded in recent years. Arts integration in the Mid-Atlantic United States is largely supported by two pillar organizations: Changing Education through the Arts (CETA) of The Kennedy Center, and Young Audiences Maryland (YAMD). This post will explore how each organization operates and how they join arts with literacy. CETAThe Kennedy Center began CETA in 1999 as a reaction to growing interest in arts integrated instruction. The program works with schools, teachers, and students to replace isolated traditional classrooms with interactive learning communities. Today CETA is present in 16 schools throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. CETA approaches literacy through many different art forms, but one of the most compelling is poetry performance. The emphasis on the speaking and performing of poetry changes the lens in which students view poetry. It highlights the difference between written word and spoken word and also explores the different ways in which literature can be engaged. One fascinating feature of poetry performance is how it interweaves art, literacy, and personal identity. Beyond the opportunity to create an original composition and deliver an original performance, students are able to embrace leadership skills through public speaking practice. YAMDYAMD opened in Baltimore, MD in 1950. The nonprofit conducts programs year round which emphasize the value of arts in classrooms. YAMD strongly embraces the vast opportunities for student creativity associated with arts integrated learning. The program works with classroom teachers as well as artists within the community to create classroom environments that embrace various content areas along with the arts.
YAMD embraces literacy through its SummerREADS program. For SummerREADS, YAMD pairs with Baltimore City Public School, local libraries, and many more local organizations, including the Baltimore Zoo, to provide a free drop-in summer reading program. Students embrace literacy through independent reading, group reading, group discussion, song, coloring, collaging, acting, and composing stories. The varied approaches to reading creates a more equitable learning environment by meeting the needs of students with different learning styles and needs. The placement of the program during the summer also ensures that students are engaging with literacy skills throughout the year. This is especially valuable for the younger age groups participating in the program.
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