Integrating Drama and Music into the Language Arts Curriculum: Its Effects on Student Self-Perception and Achievement

Abstract

This researcher tested the effects that drama and music had on students within the language arts. Research participants included 19 fourth grade students randomly chosen from three language arts classes. For the three week duration of the study, classroom lessons included activities for singing, acting, improvisation, song writing, and games. The participants took a self-perception survey before and after the study. A second assessment tested students’ skills inventory, asking questions already covered in previous lessons. At the end of the study students were again tested. Results show that there was a significant increase in attention to classroom activity, self-esteem, and perceptions of language arts. All students improved their skills, those with the lowest pre-assessment had the largest increases. The daily lesson plan used in this study is included in the appendix.