This project was designed to explore the efficacy of curriculum
integration, specifically in the content areas of language arts and fine arts.
Through the integration of fine and language arts the elements of story writing
and telling are explored and expressed through developing and performing an
original children’s opera.
The paper begins with a look at curriculum integration, including the pros
and cons, elements and efficacy of various approaches. The approach to
curriculum integration used for this project is then outlined, including the specific
learning objectives and Illinois State learning goals and standards that were met.
The curriculum was designed to target the academic content areas involved in
creating and performing an original opera, they include; language arts, music,
visual arts, dance and drama. The learning standards that are met are described
for each of the content areas as well as how they are interrelated. The result of
this project is, in part, the original opera that was created. The opera is described
in detail including, the synopsis, cast list, libretto and vocal score in the final
pages of the project.