Integrating Arts to Improve Academics

Iowa Public Radio, John Pemble… At Findley Elementary School in Des Moines, art teacher Lisa Hesse begins her morning class by standing with her students in a circle as relaxing music plays. The music is a cue for the fourth-graders to calm down as they enter. “Take a deep breath to show your voice is in control,” Hesse tells her students. “Close your eyes. When you’re ready, reach out and find a focal point.” Hesse is using a behavior management technique known as the drama contract. “They basically show that they’re in control of their body, their mind, their imagination, and their voice,” says Hesse.  “And they walk through all the steps together as a team, and we show cooperation at the end and that just sets us up for every class.” http://iowapublicradio.org/post/integrating-arts-improve-academics