Artists First, Teachers Second

Abstract

If we can find ways to integrate the arts in education, we will be helping students prepare for the future by giving them opportunities to practice creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Notes

¹ Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

² Bresler, L. (1994). Imitative, complementary, and expansive: Three roles of visual arts curricula. Studies in Art Education, 35(2), 90-104; Eckhoff, A. (2011). Art experiments: Introducing an artist-in-residence programme in early childhood education. Early Child Development and Care, 181(3), 371-385. doi:10.1080/03004430903388089

³ Hartle, L., Pinciotti, P., & Gorton, R. L. (2015). ArtsIN: Arts Integration and Infusion Framework. Early Childhood Education Journal, 43(4), 289-298. doi:10.1007/s10643-014-0636-7

⁴ Bresler, L. (1993). Three orientations to arts in the primary grades: Implications for curriculum reform. Arts Education Policy Review, 94(6), 29-34.

⁵ Edwards, C. P., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. E. (1998). The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach - advanced reflections. Greenwich, CT: Ablex.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lissanna Follari

Dr. Lissanna Follari has been working with and for young children and families for 23 years. She began her teaching career as a teacher of infants and toddlers, has worked in classrooms throughout the elementary grades, and is currently Assistant Professor at the College of Education at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Her work focuses on diversity studies and innovative approaches to inclusive early care and education.

Maria Navaratne

Maria Navaratne is the owner and director of the E11 Creative Workshop and the Arts14 extensive afterschool arts program spanning all grades in Colorado school district 14. Formally trained as an artist and educator, Maria has created a deeply arts-based, maker space-inspired afterschool program serving preschool and elementary children. Maria has been bringing meaningful arts programs to children and communities for over 20 years.