Integrating the Performing Arts in Grades K-5

Rajan (Center for Arts Education Research, Teachers College, Columbia U.) is an arts education specialist focusing on early childhood education and assessment. Her text addresses the various needs and challenges faced by classroom teachers today, and provides a resource of research-based, practical ideas for integrating music, theater, dance, and musical theater into grades K-5. Coverage includes an overview of general theories and practices for incorporating performing arts into classroom activities, followed by a series of four chapters containing detailed descriptions of the performing arts forms; each of the four chapters includes 16 complete lesson plans for use in teaching math, science, social studies, and language arts. Rajan concludes with tips on building and sustaining integrated performing arts experiences within the school, community, and professional settings, and ways for teachers to become artistically reflexive educators. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)