ED 452 Whole Child Studio: Arts, Movement & Wellness in Teaching

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Examines roles of the arts, movement, and wellness in whole-child education, emphasizing SEL, engagement, and inclusive practices.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Elementary Education Program, or instructor approval.
Maximum number of credits course can be taken for: 3

Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain how arts, movement, and wellness contribute to learning.
Design arts-integrated and movement-based lessons for engagement and SEL growth.
Implement inclusive and culturally responsive practices for safety and well-being.
Apply health and wellness strategies that foster empathy and connection.
Reflect on modeling wellness and self-care as a professional.

Content Outline

Foundations of Arts, Movement, and Wellness in Learning
- Understanding the whole-child approach to education
- The role of arts and movement in cognitive, emotional, and social development
- Linking creativity, wellness, and engagement to academic success
Designing Arts-Integrated and Movement-Based Lessons
- Strategies for integrating music, visual arts, drama, and dance into instruction
- Incorporating movement to enhance focus, SEL, and classroom community
- Assessing student learning through creative expression
Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Practices
- Ensuring physical and emotional safety in arts and movement activities
- Adapting lessons for diverse learners and abilities
- Honoring cultural traditions and perspectives through creative practices
Promoting Health, Wellness, and Empathy
- Embedding wellness routines and mindfulness into the classroom
- Teaching empathy, emotional regulation, and self-awareness through the arts
- Encouraging cooperative learning and peer support
Reflecting on Educator Wellness and Professional Practice
- Modeling balance, self-care, and resilience as an educator
- Recognizing signs of stress and burnout in self and students
- Building sustainable habits for long-term well-being in teaching