The four domains of the arts are visual arts, drama, dance, and music. Arts allow for the students to be physically engaged: we all can learn by active participation. 

Visual arts stimulate the visual sense of the student. They are the creations that we can look at such as a drawing or painting. The importance of the visual arts, to me, is that there is no right or wrong answer, where visual arts are concerned. This is a great confidence booster which gives the student the opportunity to make a mistake and be more willing to take chances. Visual arts can be used as an extension to learning in each of the disciplines. 

Drama in the classroom is great because it makes reading active, engages students and makes learning purposeful.  Drama can be used across the core curriculum and tailored to suit any subject matter.  From acting out skits, to exploring different characters alternative endings and scenarios.  Drama promotes critical thinking, so that students can make and express their own opinions.  Drama has several benefits when used in conjunction with the disciplines: self confidence, critical thinking, problem solving, imagination, creative thinking, and collaboration. For these reasons, drama is important where the core curriculum is concerned. 

When we think of dance, most people think along the lines of professional dancers or dancing as a career. But I believe that anyone can benefit from dance as a type a movement. So, I see dance as movement in the class more than possessing professional skills. If student can move, dance can be included into the curriculum. I believe if we speak of dancing as being movement and not put so much emphasis on being a great dancer it can be beneficial for the students. Using the senses, helps to explore different ideas and these can be expressed in the art of dance.

When used in conjunction, with the core curriculum music can greatly affect student’s feelings and energy levels. We can use music to create desired moods-- to make students happy, to assist in enjoying movement and dance, to energize, to bring back powerful memories, to help students relax and focus. Music is a powerful tool for personal expression within our daily lives. When teachers see how important music is and the affect it has, they should be more apt to use it as a tool for learning. Music in the classroom can be used to welcome the students, to help with focus and concentration, and to help with reflection. 

This unit plan on families will incorporate each of the domains of the arts. It will allow the arts to be infused  into the core curriculum.