Capturing Creativity: An Exploration of the Positive Impact of Art Integration in Elementary Education

My thesis focuses on the necessity of including art in education and the positive impact integrating art has on students mentally and academically. Over the past 2 years, I have seen the major impact integrating art has on students and how essential it is to keep creativity in the classroom. My research explains how incorporating art helps increase both student engagement and retention of concepts. I have also studied how integrating art with mindfulness can help students develop essential SEL skills including emotion management. My research expands on how utilizing art allows individuals and students to better cope with challenges and stay in the present moment. My thesis also explains how integrating art with mindfulness helps students establish lifelong skills, enabling them to become more self-aware and more optimistic.