Reflection #1

I have had a lot of personal experience with the arts. From a young age I learned to love music and appreciate several genres. Some people even call me "Jukebox." When I got into fourth grade a woman from the church I attend had a daughter who was selling a flute. I had decided that instrument I wanted to learn. My older sister played the clarinet and I wanted a band. I took private lessons for awhile and then joined band in elementary school through high school and continue to play a little. I also love to sing and I grew up in household with my musically inclined family. I sang in choirs. I have also really enjoyed using my creativity for art projects and designing a classroom. I can't necessarily draw well but I express my creativity in other visual ways.  I had a few teachers that integrated them into classroom curriculum but for the most part it seems like after elementary school creative arts was separated as an elective and the curriculum for English, Science, and Math were strictly that. No "fluff" needed. From the chapters we've read and reviewed in class it's been nice to actually see some research to back up the benefit creative arts can have in a classroom and how there is a correlation between higher grades and creative participation in creative arts. I also really enjoyed when the book talked about how the arts engage our head, heart, and hands and help us express emotions. It's amazing how a little creative arts in a classroom can increase cognitive development and critical thinking.


Being able to experience and be a part of creative arts has really helped me in schooling. It's a break and release for me. It helps me to focus and concentrate and I've seen a difference in myself as a student when I'm not participating as much in music the way I used to. Some of my favorite teachers were my music teachers. My high school music teacher had such a passion for music and had great experience. My desire to practice and become better at playing my instrument or singing carried over to my dedication to my academic studies. Being able to have that as a young fourth grader taking flute lessons and learning discipline helped me carry those values and self discipline to school work at a young age. As a future teacher I want to be able incorporate music or encourage creativity as much as possible. In the arts you can be yourself. you can be an individual and express yourself. I want my students to feel their worth not necessarily based on academics and test score but the person they are.

I think the most important thing for me to do to incorporate the arts is to make a conscious effort. Art isn't necessarily painting or drawing. It is expressed through many ways. There are ways to use art in Science and English. Believe it or not, there are ways to use Art in Math. The more I learn and understand it as an educator the better I can make it a tool for success in the classroom.