Learning languages through combined arts:

In Combined Arts classes we focus on finding common threads among different artistic expressions. This turns the class into a dynamic experience, as we move form activity to activity looking for contrasts in techniques, but mantaining thematic common points among the different tasks we do.

This allows us to work within the usually deep but brief periods of concentration children can achieve. It also helps us mantain a good mood during the class.

Combining different arts also helps us play with words and concepts in a holistic way. That is, relating new given words to a context (the context of the song or story for example) thus generating networks of concepts. We can also link words (like colours or geometric shapes) to experiences for example if we draw, cut out and combine geometric forms to create a composition.

The emotional aspect is important as well, and including games is a great way to learn as we have fun. For example, we can go over any of the songs we learnt  while we play «musical Chairs» for 10 minutes in between activities.

An Example:

We record the song «Pirates in the sea», using a pre recorded musical accompainment (click here to hear a sample). Then, we might do a cut-out writing excercise, where we reorganize words or phrases to find new ideas within the text of the song (the words in the picture correspond to «Yellow submarine» by the Beatles):

Then, after we’ve played «jumbled words» using vocabulary from the song, we can do a handicraft. For example, we can make shadow puppets of things we  find under the sea.