From African drumming to origami to radial design, the students of Crofton Woods Elementary School recently proved to their family members that the arts can play a big role in building skills across all subject areas.

Officially titled "Mosaics, Music, and Mobius Strips," this special evening program provided parents with a look at how the school is using an “arts integration” approach, using the power of the arts to provide hands-on learning that builds knowledge and skills across the board.

Crofton Woods has become a nationally recognized leader in the arts integration movement which creates a level of personal connection and added depth in the classroom.

“Generally, our teachers are really excited about this movement because it allows them to make learning fun and to appeal to multiple modes of learning. It's challenging for both students and teachers,” said CWES principal John Barzal.

The event was coordinated by teachers Carolyn Haroth and Sheena McGeehan, and included activities such as a Symmetry Station where students made ink blots designs and paper snowflakes; a Radial Design area where students transformed a discarded CD into a radial design using art; and a Mobile Station where students made mobiles using wire hangers and a variety of objects to attach.

“The arts integration movement prepares our kids to think, function, and interact in a creative way,” Mr. Barzal explained. “I think this is what many corporations and future employers articulate that they are looking for in future employees.”

To view the photos below, click on the thumbnail. All photos by Allison O'Brien for Suburban Scene. Captions are below.

Row 1
a) The evening begins with a performance by 4th and 5th grade orchestra students
b) 2nd grader Kacie Wright works on a computer collage with her mom, Cari.
c) 2nd grader Charlotte Smyles creates a Picasso head with her dad, Bob.
d) Shawn Endlich (3rd), Deylan Endlich (K), David Hislop (4th) and Ian Corey (5th) display their talents.

Row 2
a) General Music Teacher Scott Hughes leads the drum circle.
b) Drumming is fun for all ages!
c) 5th graders Abigail Farmer, Emily Sherrick and Christina Gorman show off their unique instruments.
d) 3rd grader Bobby Shamblen with his mom Marnea at the estimation station.

Row 3
a) 5th grader Margo Wittelsberger whispers her guess in mom Tina's ear
b) 5th grader Kendall Leonard works on her interactive art mosaic
c) 10th grade volunteer Jake Leizear weighs 3rd grader Colin Jackson-then Colin figures out how much he weighs on other planets!
d) Brave parents and students try their hands (and feet) at the Achy Breaky line dance.

Row 4
a) 1st grader Sydney Nunes and her dad Kevin create snowflakes at the symmetry station.
b) 1st grader Aidan Shoots helps his mom Lora with some tricky origami folding, while pre-k sister Ruby looks on.
c) 4th grade teacher Elizabeth Heinlen talks tessellations.
d) 3rd grader Jabreel Ali works on his pattern with help from mom Isha and 4th grade teacher Gloria Flanagan.

Row 5
a) 6th grader Riyadh Ali tries one of the activities.