2. Did you know that the new Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts encourage teaching
through themes and big ideas? Students are “expected
to explore and communicate ideas drawn from life
experience about self, peers, family, school, or
community and from the imagination as sources for
original works of art.” They are also expected to
“develop global awareness and respect for the
traditions and contributions of diverse cultures.”
3. HUMAN COMMONALITIES
All humans share:
A Search for Meaning
The Life Cycle of Birth, Growth, Death
The Use of Symbols to Express thoughts and Emotions
The Arts as a Universal Language
The Ability to Recall the Past and Anticipate the Future
A Need for Belonging
A Need to Work and Be Productive
Connections with the Natural World
