Accomplished library media specialist and arts instructor, Kristin Fontichiaro discusses how drama and shadow puppetry can be used as tools to meet curriculum objectives in the K-8 media center.

Contrary to the trend to do away with arts education as an unnecessary expense in schools trying to boost student test scores, this book promotes and explains the value of integrated arts instruction in furthering the accomplishment of curricular objectives and fostering student achievement. Accomplished library media specialist and arts instructor Kristin Fontichiaro discusses how drama, shadow puppetry, and podcasting can be used as tools to meet curriculum objectives in the K-8 media center. By concentrating on the process of creating a piece of drama or puppetry or a podcast, as opposed to the goal of performance, and by infusing the arts with curriculum objectives in story or research, these techniques can intensify a child's learning and provide context for classroom curriculum objectives. A discussion of the affective and academic benefits of this process-based work as well as sample lessons are included. Photographs and examples of student work illustrate the oechniques. Grades K-8.

"Intended for elementary and middle school media centers, this resource outlines creative lesson plans and instructions for helping students retell stories through drama, act out historical events and figures, read texts aloud as a group, and create a shadow puppet performance. Book suggestions for each grade level and handouts are provided" - Reference & Research Book News

"[P]romotes and explains the value of integrated arts instruction in furthering the accomplishment of curricular objectives and fostering student achievement." - QED/Heller Report News Alert