Working With an Artist

Bringing an artist into the classroom affords students the opportunity to gain exposure to artistic disciplines not regularly a part of the school curriculum. The introduction of dance, music, and theatre, among many other art forms, beyond the common core subjects is necessary in order to present a more complete scope of learning. Direct contact with a working artist also allows young people a first-hand glimpse at the professional life of an artist and gives them a chance to explore their creativity with a person trained to stimulate and encourage just such set of skills. The artist, as well, offers educators a chance to improve their capacity to teach the arts. By observing and team-teaching with the artist, the instructor can come to have a better understanding of the concepts and activities taught and infuse these into daily lessons when an artist is not present. Additionally, the collaborative environment between artist and teacher promotes the exchange of ideas and information on positive techniques and practices which proves imminently beneficial to the teaching of arts to children and youth.

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Classroom Materials You Can Use

The following sites offer materials that may be used in the classroom:

• Annenberg/CPB
  Annenberg/CPB uses media and telecommunications to advance excellent teaching in American schools. This mandate is carried out chiefly by the funding and broad distribution of educational video programs with coordinated Web and print materials for the professional development of K-12 teachers. A number of workshops are offered that are both topic and age specific, incuding three for elementary school, middle school, and high school teachers, focusing on skills and strategies for integrating the arts into teaching and curriculum.
• ArtsConnectEd
  ArtsConnectEd is the product of a partnership between The Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Walker Art Center. Using the power of the Internet to stimulate new approaches to learning, the goal of ArtsConnectEd is to make arts education timely, engaging, interactive, and pertinent for both teachers and students of all ages.
  
• The Music Center Education Division of the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County
  The Music Center offers their Artsource® curriculum for purchase, with units in dance, theatre, and music. There are also a number of on-line resources for teachers.
• Performing Arts for Youth Materials Database
  The Performance Materials Database is made up of performance arts study guides submitted by the members of Education Directors of Performing Arts Centers (EDPAC) and International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY).  Materials are searchable by title or by state/province.  Users can submit study guides for use by others as well.  If you find something of interest, please use the link provided to request the desired materials by email. The terms of use will be determined by the institution, or individual, who created the materials you are requesting. Use may be free of charge, or carry a royalty fee, but proper credit is always required.
  

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