Integrate Arts in the Classroom with These 4 Free Tools

The ed tech experts at Common Sense Graphite profile four resources designed to help teachers bring the arts and literature to a wide range of disciplines, from geography and history to science and math, including resources for ELL and special needs students.

  • By
  • 02/09/16

These four resources here serve up a mix of compelling arts-related content as well as prompts and tools for students to explore their own creative expression.

ArtsEdge

ArtsEdge
Grades: K–12
Pricing: Free
Concepts: Music, arts, theater, literature, cultural understanding

ArtsEdge is an impressive cross-curricular resource that helps teachers and students connect the arts and other subjects in meaningful ways. The vast database of lessons gives teachers of science, geography, math, and more immense resources to bring arts into the content classroom.​

Generator

Generator
Grades: 6–12
Pricing: Free
Concepts: Film, script writing, storytelling, imagination, digital creation

This free Australia-based resource gives budding filmmakers the training and tools to make their own short films. Through inspirational videos, step-by-step process guides, and the outstanding Storyboard Generator, where kids can create and save a detailed storyboard, kids will get a full understanding of what it takes to make a movie.

 

The Knotted Line

The Knotted Line
Grades: 6–12
Pricing: Free
Concepts: Drawing, painting, history, timelines, critical thinking, empathy

This artistic time line offers an unconventional approach to learning history. Paintings, videos, audio, charts and text encourage students to think about the complex issue of ​freedom in America and how it relates to the imprisonment of various groups throughout history​. The Knotted Line also could serve as a model for a culminating student project.​

 

Make Beliefs Comix

Make Beliefs Comix
Grades: 3–12
Pricing: Free
Concepts: Drawing, script writing, imagination, communication

Make Beliefs Comix is a versatile comic-creation tool, terrific for promoting creativity and storytelling in ELA, ELL, social studies, and other content-area classrooms. Educators will find numerous resources, including lesson plans with instruction ideas, writing-prompt suggestions for students, and advice on using the site with students with autism, hearing issues, and other special needs. 

 

About the Author

Common Sense Education helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. Go to Common Sense Education for free resources including full reviews of digital tools, ready-made lesson plans, videos, webinars, and more.


Featured

  • Abstract geometric pattern with interconnected nodes and lines

    Microsoft 365 Copilot Updates Offer Expanded AI Capabilities, Collaboration Tools

    Microsoft has announced updates to its Microsoft 365 Copilot AI assistant, including expanded AI capabilities in individual apps, the ability to create autonomous agents, and a new AI-powered collaboration workspace.

  • laptop on a clean desk with colorful image icons dynamically emanating from the screen

    Stability AI Intros Stable Diffusion 3.5 Text-to-Image Generation Model

    Stability AI, developer of open source models focused on text-to-image generation, has introduced Stable Diffusion 3.5, the latest version of its deep learning, text-to-image model.

  • illustration of a teacher in a classroom using AI technology

    Survey: Top Teacher Uses of AI in the Classroom

    A new report from Cambium Learning Group outlines the top ways educators are using artificial intelligence to manage their classrooms and support student learning.

  • person signing a bill at a desk with a faint glow around the document. A tablet and laptop are subtly visible in the background, with soft colors and minimal digital elements

    California Governor Signs Off on AI Content Safeguard Laws

    California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed a series of landmark artificial intelligence bills into law, signaling the state’s latest efforts to regulate the burgeoning technology, particularly in response to the misuse of sexually explicit deepfakes. The legislation is aimed at mitigating the risks posed by AI-generated content, as concerns grow over the technology's potential to manipulate images, videos, and voices in ways that could cause significant harm.