The role of art in the classroom

This course, through the readings and the art experiences we had in class, has helped me see how important art is in the classroom for our students. It's important for us as teachers to provide our students with various materials and various modes and forms of art so that they can better experience the curriculum and access knowledge.

The arts can help all students access knowledge, regardless of cultural or linguistic backgrounds, which allows students of various cultures and abilities to express themselves and to share their cultural and family backgrounds with the class. Art plays such a key role in allowing children to express themselves. Even if students have well-developed language and communication skills, they often express more and different things through their artwork.

I believe that when students are encouraged to show their engagement with their learning by expressing it through artistic means on a regular basis, it really helps with their construction of meaning and allows them to engage with their learning and curriculum on a deeper, more personal level.