The Path to Student Wellness through Art, Music, and P.E.

(Grades K-12) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 170T02 / ACE Course Number: LE5790 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC42662


Course Description

Have you ever wondered how art, music, and movement contribute to overall student wellness? Or how you can create opportunities for students to explore academic ideas artistically, musically, and physically? Although the value of “specials” classes often goes overlooked, research strongly supports their importance in education. This online course takes a deep dive into the benefits of art, music, and physical education, and provides teachers with practical strategies for integrating these concepts into their existing instruction. This course begins by emphasizing the importance of educating students holistically and explores how “specials” classes play a key role in supporting this approach. Teachers will examine common challenges associated with “specials” courses while also learning about their impact on student well-being, including the development of critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Participants will also explore the advantages and disadvantages of technology in the “specials” curriculum and learn how to use it effectively in their own classrooms. Additionally, the course addresses strategies for promoting diversity and strengthening classroom management. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will feel more confident in their ability to use the “specials” to support student and even community wellness. For detailed information on receiving university credit for your PDI course, visit our credit page.

Need help? Allison Wynne, PDI Program Coordinator, is ready to assist.


Enrollment Options

You have up to nine months from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.

View the online course syllabus.

Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.


TOPICAL OUTLINE

ACE Course Number: LE5790

UCSD Course Number: EDUC42662

Unit One

  • The Importance of Educating Students Holistically
  • Student Wellness through Art, Music, and P.E.
  • The Unique Challenges of “Specials” Teachers
  • Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
  • Test #1

Unit Two

  • Creating a Solid Foundation in the “Specials”
  • Incorporating Diversity
  • The Impact of Classroom Management on Wellness
  • Assignment #2: Article reflection
  • Test #2

Unit Three

  • The Role of Critical Thinking in the Classroom
  • The Impact of Critical Thinking on Student and School Wellness
  • Teaching Critical Thinking in the “Specials”
  • Assignment #3: Share your expertise
  • Test #3

Unit Four

  • Technology and Wellness in the Classroom
  • Technology Use, Wellness, and Tech Trends in the “Specials”
  • Social Media and Student Wellness
  • Test #4

Unit Five

  • Communication as a 21st Century Skill
  • Maintaining a Culture of Caring through Communication
  • Fostering Communication Skills in Art, Music, and P.E.
  • Test #5

Unit Six

  • Collaboration and Student Purpose
  • Collaboration and Student Leadership
  • The Role of Collaboration in Intrinsic Motivation
  • Assignment #4: Respond to classroom scenarios
  • Assignment #5: Course Reflection

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