Integrating the Arts & SEL into Core
I was going to launch heART in the Classroom as a place for teachers to learn to teach visual arts. I’ve been teaching visual art in some capacity for a long time and it’s integral to the way I teach every subject. I really and truly love it.
But without heart, what is Art?
I watch students - and whole communities - grapple with anxiety, loneliness, depression, and questions of self-worth. Many of my loved ones navigate anxiety and depression, and I’ve had my own journey of anxiety and resilience as well. I can’t help but wonder: what are we teaching in schools, really?
The truth is, I care deeply about humans. My own deep empathy for the suffering of others has driven much of my journey:
I decided to study child & adolescent mental health as part of my Master’s work after a student in my homeroom took an entire bottle of pills during lunch time (they survived, but it was a hard day).
I ran a service learning club with dozens of students that raised over $25 000 for social causes.
I integrated emotional literacy and self-awareness throughout my work to support the well-being of the community in my classroom.
Going forward, I will absolutely share the visual arts strategies I’ve learned over the years. I’ll include content about how to integrate the arts - visual and otherwise - into Languages, Social Studies, Science and even Mathematics. And I’ll share what I’ve learned about helping humans of all ages live with heART.
I try to show up in the world with my full heart on the table. As a teacher, I’m best when I’m learning and sharing my own stories. I don’t get it right every single time, but I think that’s part of the journey. If any of this sounds like you, or strikes something in you, I hope you’ll continue to join me for the adventure. My site will be growing over the upcoming weeks and months and I’d love to have you along for the ride!
Like what you see here? I’ll be posting every other week, so stay tuned for more! In the meantime, please check out the free guides to teaching Art and integrating the Arts & SEL into core subjects! You can find them here.
