Imagine a classroom where students are not only learning math or history but also engaging in creative movement, crafting music or performing dramatic interpretations that foster understanding. This is the transformative power of the arts and physical education (PE) when integrated into a comprehensive teaching strategy.
For those considering a career in teaching, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Art, Music, or Physical Education K-12 online program from Avila University equips educators with the knowledge and tools to foster such dynamic learning environments. This advanced degree program emphasizes both holistic development and cutting-edge instructional strategies that revolutionize how students interact with creativity, movement and expression.
The Role of Arts and Physical Education in Holistic Student Development
Arts and PE are vital components of a well-rounded education, providing students with opportunities for emotional, social and intellectual growth. According to a study from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), these subjects are “key to helping foster student resilience, engagement, and personal growth” and “[…] cultivate creativity, and often, demonstrate innovative teaching and thinking.”
The incorporation of arts and PE in education addresses the diverse learning styles of students, allowing them to express themselves in ways that traditional subjects may not. Movement, rhythm and visual arts help students build emotional intelligence and resilience, which are essential for both personal and academic success. This broad approach to learning supports students in developing confidence and self-expression while providing tools for overcoming challenges and setbacks.
Types and Models for Integrating Creativity
Integrating creativity into the classroom goes beyond offering art projects or dance lessons. There are numerous models and approaches that can help educators effectively weave creativity into their teaching practices. For example, the Tableau model is an innovative method that combines dramatic art with curriculum objectives. In this model, students use frozen scenes or tableaux to represent key moments in history or literature, thereby deepening their understanding of content through creative expression. This form of arts integration encourages critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration among students, making the subject matter more engaging and memorable.
Educators are also embracing differentiated instruction strategies, such as those highlighted by Arts Integration, which tailors learning experiences to meet the individual needs of students, especially students with disabilities. By pairing Arts and STEAM subjects, teachers are not only supporting academic success but also empowering students to explore their creative potential. Examples of this include creating thinking maps, making figurative language more concrete and letting students interpret the rubric in their own creative ways.
Benefits of Blended Learning to Explore Creative Outlets
Blended learning, a combination of in-person and online instruction, offers numerous benefits for arts and PE educators seeking to explore creative outlets with students. In a blended learning environment, students can use digital platforms to collaborate on projects, watch performance-based tutorials and create multimedia art presentations.
This versatility helps students feel more connected to their learning, as they can explore their creative abilities at their own pace. Courses like Advanced Special Methods and General Methods of Teaching and Classroom Management give Avila University’s MAT graduates the instructional foundation to be creative and experiment with different resources.
Building Language Skills in the Classroom Through Arts and PE
Differentiated learning can be beneficial in fostering language acquisition — especially for students learning English or those with special needs. As teacher Hunter Burnard shares with Education Week, “[W]hen introducing a new skill, I will verbally break down the requirements and strategies required to effectively execute the skill being taught. In addition, I will demonstrate the skill and often use our gymnasium projector to display a short video of what we are learning that day. We may use a video presentation early in the unit to teach a skill such as a wrist shot in hockey or something more conceptual such as route running in football.” Activities such as team sports or group fitness challenges require students to work together, follow instructions and communicate effectively with their peers.
By incorporating language instruction into arts and PE, educators provide students with creative avenues to practice communication, making learning both fun and effective. These methods enhance students’ linguistic abilities while also supporting the development of their critical-thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
Learn more about Avila University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching in Art, Music, or Physical Education program.
