When I think about educators who have stuck with me long after I’ve left their classroom, I realize that two common traits emerge. One is the passion they have for teaching and for their subject. The other is their ability to make learning come alive. One of the most effective ways to do this, in my opinion, is through the arts.
Were it not for the arts in the classroom, Shakespeare would probably still be lost on me, the rainforest would mean nothing to me, and I’d still be questioning how to effectively balance a chemical equation. Arts integration in the classroom provides students with something that no amount of lecturing or reading can. It captures attention, increases understanding and promotes creativity. Students get to work with subjects hands on. It becomes personal. And this is where “Fall for the Arts” comes in.
PlayhouseSquare’s annual “Fall for the Arts” is an evening of professional development for Northeast Ohio educators of grades Pre-K through 8. Classroom teachers, arts specialists, administrators and teaching artists can all benefit. Hosted by the Community Engagement & Education Department, this year’s event took place on October 26 with more than 70 educators in attendance.
Educators were divided into groups based on grades taught. They then attended a series of 60-minute workshops tailored for their students’ age group. Topics discussed in the workshops included connecting the arts to literature, science, digital storytelling, and readers’ theater presented by local artists and representatives from WVIZ/PBS ideastream, Great Lakes Science Center, Shaker Lakes Nature Center, and the Beck Center. Educators left these workshops with standards-based lesson plans and ideas to use in the classroom.
Jodi Snyder (left) works on a project with another Fall for the Arts attendee
Jodi Snyder of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District sums up her experience: “I didn’t think it was possible, but PlayhouseSquare’s Community Engagement & Education department outdid themselves at this year’s Fall for the Arts! I attended this professional development event last year and found this year to be better than ever. I loved how the revamped format allowed for deeper learning. The one-hour workshop sessions were specific to grade bands (PreK-3) and (4-8), allowing me to take away practical and age appropriate activities for my students. To make it even easier, each presenter provided supplemental materials and lesson plans. Jimmie Woody, a teaching artist, demonstrated practical ways to use reader’s theatre with students which will come in handy with my reluctant readers. I look forward to using the technology information to implement a photography project this year with my students connecting science, technology and language arts. Looking forward to next year!!!”
–Rachael
