I shared with TeacherPop.org ways to include art, gym, and other “specials” into the general education classroom. Click here to view the full post.
“Teacher” is a job title that just skims the surface when it comes to a day in the life of an educator. One minute you deliver a lesson, the next you transform into a comedian, cracking a joke to engage students with your lesson plan and content. As the day goes on, you assume the roles of cheerleader, nurse, editor, scientist, poet, and reporter, among others.
Since budget cuts also can result in the loss of valuable “special area” (such as music, athletics, or computer science) teachers at your school, your job description may also include the title of gym teacher, computer technician, and art teacher. Thankfully, there are loads of resources to help you navigate these subjects and find the support you need to introduce them to your students.
Check out these four resources to help you incorporate special areas into your daily classroom routine with ease.
Art: Lilly Sarah Grace is a nonprofit organization that serves Title I public schools. According to their research, “low-income students who are highly engaged in the arts are two times more likely to graduate college as their peers with no arts education.”
You may be eligible for up to $1,500 worth of art supplies by including arts-related, inquiry- based learning in the classroom. Click here to apply for an art grant through the Lilly Sarah Grace fund.
Gym: GoNoodle is best known for its short brain breaks, but did you know they also have longer activities for indoor recess? Their mega mixes range between 7 and 20 minutes and include a variety of aerobic and anaerobic activities.
Technology: You don’t need a computer to teach keyboarding skills! Laminate print-outs of keyboards to have kids practice typing spelling and vocabulary words. Instead of having a PowerPoint or multimedia component ready to go on a screen when your class arrives, model for them how to save and access videos, slideshows, and websites. It will save you preparation time while authentically teaching your students.
If you have a limited amount of iPods or tablets in your classroom, a splitter will allow up to five students to listen to a single device.
Health: GoNoodle’s Ultimate Champ Training features a character named Coach Terry as your students’ very own health teacher. Students love to answer his multiple-choice health questions while jogging!
What other special area resources do you count on?