Why Art Belongs in STEAM?

 What if Science and Math lessons felt like painting or composing a music?

In STEAM education, integrating art opens a door to imagination, creativity, innovation and holistic learning. Learning boring subjects integrating art leads to a new and interesting methods which involves using artistic process, expression and creativity. It encourages students to think critically and in a very unique way which helps to foster their thinking and emotional connection to learning. 

Benefits of Art in STEAM 

• Creativity and Innovation : Students will be able to think the concept out of the box and leads their learning ability in different way. 
• Emotional Engagement : The concept and the methods developed by themselves hold a different space in their heart and mind, which makes their learning emotionally connected. 
• Holistic Development : Art involves every developmental sectors of students which nurtures emotional intelligence, empathy and mindfulness. 
• Interdisciplinary Understanding :  Involving in different project works connects them to real -world.
• Positive Relation Between Teacher and Student :  Integrating different ideas with learning can improve relationship between teacher and student which promotes positive environment and also help in classroom management. 

Different Strategies for Practical Integration 

• Storytelling : Story telling is the art of using language, vocalization, physical movement, and gestures. It boosts students language skills and enhance creativity and imagination. We can use this methods in various ways like using puppets, Muppets, facemask or costumes, drama, and origami. This methods are mostly been used in language subjects but it can be better methods to understand the concept or topic of any subjects for students. 
• Music, songs and rhymes: Everyone loves music. Music holds different emotional place in our heart. We can feel different emotions at once with the help of music. But it should not be the only methods to relax or mood or match our emotions. We can use this in our teaching or learning practices too. Songs can be very creative way to introduce concepts and topic to the learners. 
• Visual Arts : Introducing topics using different visual cards or models can enhance their learning styles. The catchy aids can helps in their concentration and imagination.
• Drama and Role play : Not all the concept can be taught orally. Some of the things should be expressed and felt. Drama and role play activities can be the best methods for learners to express their imagination and feel the concept individually.