Elementary Teachers’ Strategies for Integrating the Arts Into the Social Studies Curriculum

• In Event: Roundtable Session 95
  In Roundtable Session: New Possibilities in Social Studies Education

Abstract

This mixed study examined how elementary teachers integrated social studies with the visual-performing arts. Online surveys found that teachers spent 1-2 hours teaching social studies while integrating mainly visual arts concepts. Music was the second preferred arts integration with dance being the least accessible for classroom teachers. Teachers focused on teaching social studies concepts with the support of arts concepts rather than employ a co-equal model advocated by researchers. Teacher interviews showed that their school leadership supports many teachers in the integration of the arts. These principals valued the arts and provided materials for classrooms. Findings also showed that more professional development is needed at the university level during training and in the field once teachers have their own classroom.

Authors

• Joyce H. Burstein, California State University - Northridge

• Greg Knotts, California State University - Northridge