fosters four types of capability that are considered essential to the ability to learn: focus, conceptualization, association, and categorization. Each capability is fundamental, but when practiced together they enhance and strengthen one another.

To be successful, learners must:

• develop not one but a variety of ways of using their minds proficiently to accommodate the wide range of skills they must master

• expect and learn the ability to explore “why” as they learn “what”

• develop proficiency at participating actively in their learning

Arts activities are at the center of our program because:

• they are attractive and enjoyable for all learners

• they provide rich low risk, high feedback opportunities for learners to practice ways of thinking that are needed in all areas of learning

• they strengthen personal and social development

Teachers and others use activities to help students focus at the start of the school day, as a transition activity, and in after-school and recreation programs.

is a curriculum that develops thinking, learning, and engagement skills. Through use of music and visual arts, this program helps participants:

• improve focus, conceptualization, categorization, and association skills

• develop and practice cognitive and motor skills that aid in all areas of learning

• build mental skills that help them understand what they are learning

• develop greater confidence in themselves and ease in interacting with others

• become more engaged in learning – and less likely to be disruptive

• develop a foundation for learning more about music and visual arts

• have fun while learning!

This dynamic program is multifaceted, making it appropriate for all elementary school classrooms, pre-school centers, after-school programs, home school applications, and more.

has been developed specifically for children from pre-school through kindergarten. It is a new iteration of Arts for Critical Thinking ® (ACT), which was developed for older elementary students.