Hunt A+ Arts Elementary -

Students in the A+ Arts specialty school will build a strong educational foundation in both visual and performing arts. Read an adventure book to consider the illustrative elements and types of lines the author uses. Sound out syllable rhythms on musical instruments. Explore different art patterns to learn about mathematical relationships. These are all examples of students participating in lessons that meet Iowa Core standards and incorporate the A+ Arts theme.

Quarterly Art Focus
Each quarter students focus on a different art form,
including drama, music, dance, and visual arts.

Terrifically Talented Tuesday
Once a month, teachers plan an intentional arts-integrated lesson. These lessons cover the art form of the quarter.

Student Collaboration & Critique
At the end of each quarter, students participate in informances. Informances give students the opportunity to highlight what they have learned and share projects that they completed during the quarter.

Each year, students produce and star in a major theatre production. The annual production gives students the opportunity to practice stage presence, confidence, lines and fluency, voice projection, and speaking or singing. It also teaches students to lead, communicate, and problem solve. The production is put on in collaboration with the Sioux City Community Theatre.

Studies from the Arts Education Partnership support the notion that students who engage in the study of the arts perform better in math, reading, and writing. The studies revealed:

• Students who study music have increased achievement and proficiency in math.

• An arts education increases the reading and cognitive development of students.

• Students involved in arts demonstrate improved verbal, reading, and math skills.

• An arts education improves communication and writing skills of students.

• Students in the arts benefit from enhanced analytical and problem-solving skills.

Young learners today will need a high degree of technical proficiency as well as creative problem-solving skills for the professions of tomorrow. Arts integration creates well-rounded and well-prepared learners and leaders for the 21st Century!