
Free Play & the Arts
This is about how arts integration and STEAM offer similar benefits as free play to the creativity of children.
Laura and Matt Grundler are art educators from Plano, Texas. They are also proud parents, bloggers and founders of the popular Twitter Chat #K12ArtChat. After teaching middle school art, high school art and working as an assistant principal, Laura has moved into the role of district Visual Arts Coordinator. Matt started out as a graphic designer; however after finding the commercial side of design to be unsatisfying, he soon found his niche as a K-5 Art teacher. Both Laura and Matt are passionate about raising their three creative kids, sharing their love of art education with their professional learning network and continuing to grow everyday.
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This is about how arts integration and STEAM offer similar benefits as free play to the creativity of children.

In the arts, the process is many times overshadowed by the product.

Microscopic art integrates the Elements of Art with scientific observation.

STEAM Design Challenges offer so many opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation.

We all know that Project Based Learning can provide a deep and meaningful learning experience for students by allows the them to really drive their own learning.

Using visuals in the classroom is an easy way to get your students' minds going.

One of the best ways to build classroom community is by singing together.

What to do about the stress and anxiety of a new school year?

When a nearby art museum's program proved too cost prohibitive for one teacher's school, she took matters into her own hands and recreated the program with the help of the local high school.

Though we have curriculum to barrel through, nothing can get authentically accomplished if students are feeling insecure and preyed upon.

While doodling has carried negative connotations in the past, more and more research is showing the benefits of doodling.

Dot Day was started in 2009 as an effort to promote creativity, bravery, and self-expression.
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