While the concept of arts integration is not new, there is an increased interest and a growing number of programs and schools focusing on arts integration. Why are educators showing this interest? There are two predominant reasons:

• Arts integration practices are aligned with how students learn.
• Arts integration energizes teachers by providing increased professional satisfaction.

Ongoing research about how humans learn supports constructivist theories of learning1. These theories reflect the characteristics of effective learning which include learning that is active and experiential, reflective, social, evolving, and focused on problem-solving…

The early years are the most active period for establishing critical neural pathways in the brain. Teaching through the arts helps children simultaneously engage different senses and create and strengthen the connections across the brain that form the basis for learning…

AII research shows that achievement increases by 10 percent across the board in schools that use the technique. It also makes teaching and learning more fun for educators and students alike, allowing educators to take standard curriculum and infuse it with creativity, inspiration, and innovation…