INTEGRATING ARTS AND HUMANITIES INTO THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM: FOSTERING SOCIAL AND CULTURAL AWARENESS THROUGH CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Abstract This study aims to explore the impact of integrating arts (visual arts, music, drama) and humanities (literature, history, ethics) in the elementary school curriculum on students' social, emotional, and cultural awareness. This study also analyses how creative expression through arts and humanities can improve students' critical thinking and empathy skills, as well as their influence in forming an inclusive and socially conscious school environment. The research method used is qualitative with a phenomenological approach. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. The number of respondents consisted of 20 students and 5 teachers in three elementary schools in Cirebon City that have integrated arts and humanities in their learning. The results showed that the integration of arts and humanities significantly improved students' social, emotional, and cultural awareness. Students who were involved in creative activities such as painting, playing music, drama, and literature discussions showed improvements in critical thinking and empathy skills. Teachers also reported increased student engagement in learning and more positive interactions between students from diverse cultural backgrounds. In conclusion, the integration of arts and humanities into the elementary school curriculum has a positive impact on students' social and emotional development. The implication is that schools need to encourage more opportunities for creative expression in learning to help shape students with better social and cultural awareness, as well as sharper critical thinking skills in facing global challenges. Keywords: arts integration, humanities, social awareness, critical thinking, elementary school