Using Art Integration to Teach Adjectives

Sometimes the most impactful lessons have no tech involved. This is one of them. Today, I am talking to you about arts-integrated learning. It is as impactful as tech-integrated learning. So, who doesn't like a good monster?!? Kids LOVE to fuse art and learning, and what better way to learn about adjectives than to create an adjective monster and write about it using all the adjectives to describe it. You might wonder why integrating art into learning is essential, which is a great question! Using the arts makes abstract concepts more concrete for students. Arts integration can improve language development and literacy in learners, especially multi-language learners.

To help first-grade students learn about adjectives in a concrete way, they spent some time before the holiday break learning paper sculpting techniques. Paper sculpting makes the monster look 3D as the sculpted parts stand up off the flat paper surface. Learners applied the methods in various forms to create their very own unique monsters! Here are a few of the finished monsters.

(Photos Credits: Vicki's Tech Hub)

Then, students created a writing plan that helped them write a paragraph about their monsters. Learners were required to describe their monsters using no less than 6 adjectives displayed on their monsters. Their classroom teachers displayed the monsters and the writing in the hallway for all to see.

(Photos Credits: Vicki's Tech Hub)

This year's first-grade students created adjective monsters last year in kindergarten, and they remembered doing it. So, we added more advanced methods to their paper sculpting techniques - curled fringe, cutout shapes, and, of course, the curl! Their current teachers said teaching adjectives this year was the easiest they have ever experienced, thanks to their prior knowledge of adjectives. I credit that to the power of an arts-integrated lesson.

What are you waiting for? Step outside your comfort zone and try an arts-integrated lesson!

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