Fine Arts

Resources for the Acquisition of English Language Learners

from around the world

MUSIC

Learning language through songs:

The Cantos Para Todos website

is full of lessons, activities and links to videos, CDs and song sheets you can purchase to support your lessons on everything from history to resolving classroom disputes. Links to a few of our favorite pages on the site are on the right

A sample from the book, Estas Son Las Mañanitas on this page gives you an example of using songs in Spanish and English to begin a class discussion and even for resolution of classroom disputes.

Songs in English and Spanish to accompany history lesson on the Mexican fight for independence.

(Link to history lesson.)
Dave's Internet Cafe Idea Book on Music

These are ideas, activities. Unlike many of the links on our site these are not tied to standards or objectives. However, as a teacher who sometimes found herself brain-dead on Friday afternoon, I appreciate an idea or two of someone else's when I run out. All of the ideas here are focused on learning English.
Songs teaching about literacy - from the PBS "Between the Lions" website. You can play these right from your computer if you have QuickTime, RealPlayer or Shockwave. They also have videoclips.

ART

 Papel picado- Also on the Cantos Para Todos website. This page gives Spanish and English text for a discussion of this traditional Mexican art. There is also a link if you would like to purchase the videotape for classroom use.

<-- This image is from the webpage. We reproduced it here to give you an idea of the quality of images and information you will find.

Papel Picado (again) a page with patterns and instructions courtesy of the National Parks Service.

A lesson on fractals is included here not only because it is a mix of mathematics and art, but also because the best fractal program for the Macintosh was done by my husband and you can get a free trial version here.
When would you ever mention art and television in the same sentence? When you are talking about PBS, of course. Their lesson plans on art, like the rest of the exceptionally well-designed PBS website, are researched-based, developmentally appropriate, aligned with state standards and just downright good.
Art Safari -This site can be used for any grade level. The site speaks in English, providing a small amount of practice listening to English and says to write about what you see, giving practice in writing at whatever level the student happens to be. This is a good creative activity that can be used for a science course, English or art, and, since it is sponsored by the Museum of Modern Art, you know the pictures are excellent.