This September 14-18, PTAs and schools nationwide encourage creativity during National Arts in Education Week to raise awareness of the value the arts bring to a high-quality, comprehensive education.
The weeklong initiative is designed to celebrate the arts, spotlight the importance of arts education and encourage participation in arts programs and activities like PTA Reflections.
The timing of the week honors National Arts in Education Week as designated by the U.S. House of Representatives, but also serves as the official kickoff celebration for the 2015-2016 National PTA Reflections program.
Each day of the Sept. 14-18 school week, PTAs across the country and in U.S. schools overseas will celebrate arts education by hosting school-wide arts activities based on the 2015-2016 PTA Reflections program theme, Let Your Imagination Fly.
PTA Reflections encourages students to create original artwork that reflects their interpretation on the annual theme and acquire many educational and life-long benefits.
You can introduce the theme at school or at home by starting a conversation. Try these questions to help students explore their world as it relates to the theme.
- What would happen if you let your imagination fly?
- Where does your imagination take you?
- How/when do you use your imagination?
- Why is your imagination important to you?
Give students time and space to reflect on the theme and offer arts supplies and materials for them to explore the following PTA Reflections categories each day during National Arts in Education Week. Consider the following ideas to encourage creativity:
Monday – Dance Choreography: Choose a time during the school day and invite everyone to dance together. Choose a story based on the theme that is read aloud or song based on the theme and have students create movements to phrases that communicate the theme.
Tuesday – Film Production: Have students create a storyboard/comic based on their interpretation of the theme. Set up a place where students can rehearse and record their skits.
Wednesday – Literature: Students may write a poem/short story related to the theme. Consider inviting a guest author to talk about how they use their imagination.
Thursday – Music Composition: Host time and space for students to participate in a music making activity using instruments or found objects. Provide studio time where students explore sounds/instruments and record their compositions.
Friday – Photography & Visual Arts: Encourage students to take photos of their peers using their imagination to be more creative in class and at home. Have students post their photos on a designated wall that promotes the Reflections theme.
Throughout #ArtsEdWeek, share photos and videos of your #PTAReflections program encouraging creativity in your school. For inspiration, share this video and visit the online art exhibit featuring student interpretations on past years’ themes.
After National Arts in Education Week is over, the fun continues! Family and peer encouragement is key to a student’s success in school and in life and this is what PTA Reflections is all about.
To get involved, join your PTA and visit PTA.org/Reflections to get started! And for more info on National Arts in Education Week, visit PTA.org/ArtsEdWeek.
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