Arts Based Method

Teaching Novel Themes Through the Arts Based Method

Every story has important themes which are life lessons for readers. Once students fully comprehend novel themes, they are instructed to choose one theme and represent it as art. 

They may draw, paint, sketch, use art apps and other technology/artistic tools, photograph(s), poem, song, power point, and so on.

All ideas are encouraged and most welcome.

One novel we read in grade eight is 

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. 

One of the major themes of the story is greed, and how destructive it can be. 

Students must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the theme and provide examples to validate that understanding. 

The incorporation of the arts based method allows the students to explore symbols and images from the novel and beyond to illustrate the theme. 

The teacher receives original productions and a wonderful opportunity to generate meaningful discussion concerning real life issues!

Some useful links to expand art into this particular project:

1.http://www.teachhub.com/12-ways-bring-arts-your-classroom

2.https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2013/05/17/arts-integration/

3.http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/01/13/how-integrating-arts-into-other-subjects-makes-learning-come-alive/