Posted by Lauren Grossberg on Wed, Apr 28, 2010
For many students, the arts can be a great way to escape from the reality and stress of the classroom. Many times, it actually is useful in motivating students in the classroom. At the Cultural Crossroads Arts Program at Westbank Community School in Marrero, Louisiana, they try to incorporate the arts as much as possible. This program brings artist educators together with at-risk students so they can see and learn the importance of the arts. It uses art to bring students together while helping them improve in subjects like reading, writing, math and science.
From dancing, to acting and musical instruments, there are so many great activities that students can become involved with.
Students follow their teachers in many activities, like traditional African dances, for example. They learn the origins of the dances, how they evolved and how they were originally performed.
School officials have noticed that since this program has been started, many of the students, who were considered at-risk, have increased their reading scores on district tests. School staff has also found a noticeable improvement in overall student behavior and attitudes.
With recent grants, the school has been able to extend the arts program past its average of one or two weeks. They have plans to also expand the program to reach other schools in the local areas that have students with slipping test scores.
By connecting these students through the arts, they have become inspired to succeed. Not only do they learn a new skill or hobby, they are learning the history, significance and background in each area. By focusing their time on these programs, students are becoming more focused and determined at succeeding in the classroom and in the real world.
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Picture By: frerieke