MASTER’S PORTFOLIO: BRASHAR 1

The arts allow people to explore the richness of their own abilities of self-expression.

Learning to examine, witness, and appreciate art in various forms is a key element of a well-

rounded education. Modern educators add much to the cultural inclusivity of their classroom

when they embrace their roles as teachers of the arts, as this statement explains.

The importance of art, not only in the classroom, but in the world, is multifaceted. Art is

“an international language,” accessible even to those with little or no education or means of

understanding (Clements, 2010, p. 3). Art education can help connect students from diverse

backgrounds and thus creates a more inclusive classroom environment, according to this

statement.

Today’s classrooms are fascinating mosaics of culture and language. This statement

explains that art can transcend language and can transcend culture. It can be a vessel of

communication across these barriers. And what, if not successful communication, is the most

coveted tool of an educator?

The statement discusses how art can also empower the culturally disenfranchised while

simultaneously helping to build connections between members of diverse cultures. As a method

of cultural understanding, art education is vital: “the growth and development of each individual

is enriched through art education since it celebrates uniqueness, self-expression, and diversity.

Art appreciation and production activities encourage critical thinking and creative problem-

solving skills. It provides a means for appreciating and respecting ourselves and others”

(Hughes, 2008, p. 9).

Children are in a unique position to receive an education in the arts and art appreciation.

Their developmental levels, which are discussed in the statement, allow them to view their own

art creations with unbridled enthusiasm. This ability to appreciate their own efforts contributes to
MASTER’S PORTFOLIO: BRASHAR 2

the positive social-emotional outcomes associated with arts participation in childhood (Menzer,

2015).

Despite the obvious limitations of children’s abilities due to age and development,

students not only benefit from lessons in art appreciation but also can benefit from the early

introduction to art media of all kinds (Kindler, 2010). As the statement explains, teachers can

effectively assist students in developing skills based on their expected (and actual) levels of

artistic development.

Art also can and should be integrated into the core content areas, especially in the

elementary grades. Integrating the arts (drama, dance, music, visual arts) into math, reading,

language, science, social studies can deepen students’ understanding of these core subjects

(Baker, 2013). As the statement explains, art is present in all areas of life and should be taught,

not in isolation, but as an elemental component of the human experience.

MASTER’S PORTFOLIO: BRASHAR 3

References:

Baker, D. (2013). Art integration and cognitive development. Journal for Learning through the

Arts, 9 (1). Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1018320.pdf

Clements, R., Wachowaik, F., (2010). Emphasis art: a qualitative art program for elementary

and middle schools. Ninth Edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Hughes, K., Short, B., Carlson, P., Bennett, J., & Edgerton, C. (2008). K-12 art curriculum,

fairbanks north star borough school district. Retrieved from

http://www.k12northstart.org/cms/lib010/AK01901510/Centricity/Domain?1088/Art%20

Curriculum.pdf

Kindler, A. M. (2010). Art and art in early childhood: what can young children learn from

“a/Art activities?” International Art in Early Childhood Research Journal, 2, (1).

Retrieved from

http://artinearlychildhood.org/artec/images/article/ARTEC_2010_Research_Journal_1_

Article_1.pdf

Menzer, M. (2015). The arts in early childhood: social and emotional benefits of arts

participation a literature review and gap-analysis. The National Endowment for the Arts.

Retrieved from https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/arts-in-early-childhood-dec2015-

rev.pdf