Teaching Integrated Arts in the Primary School: Dance, Drama, Music, and the Visual Arts

This text reasserts the place of the arts in the primary school curriculum at reception and Key Stages 1 and 2. Acknowledging the time constraints of a crowded curriculum, the author stresses a common developmental approach to the different forms of creative and aesthetic expression. The arts are presented as the vital fourth R , integrated modes of learning alongside reading, writing and arithmetic, where children can absorb and express ideas, feelings and attitudes. Guidance is given on the development of a personal, autonomous teaching style and on evaluating and monitoring children’s progression in skill acquisition, creative production and critical response.