Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to provide insight on how arts integration in English language arts education increases engagement and achievement in students and teachers alike. Throughout my analysis of literature, local field research in two Central Florida public elementary schools, and my creation of a five-day arts-integrated writing unit, I found that arts integration, especially when utilizing Leonard Bernstein’s Artful Learning Method was observed to show a positive impact on students. Arts integration allowed for a child’s natural curiosity and instinct to create to take over, which created authentic learning experiences for the students. The research also demonstrated that arts integration enabled teachers to utilize their creativity, which in turn positively changed their perspectives on their career and teaching experience. Observations and the research literature examined in this thesis showed that arts integration can be a valuable outlet for both students and teachers, yet not always utilized due to high stakes testing, budgetary concerns, and time constraints in the elementary classroom.
Thesis Completion
2020
Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair/Advisor
Spalding, Lee-Anne
Co-Chair
Kay, Marni
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
College
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department
School of Teacher Education
Degree Program
Elementary Education
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Release Date
5-1-2020
Recommended Citation
Dehner, Mary A., "Exploring Arts Integration in Language Arts Instruction for Elementary Education" (2020). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 697.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses/697