By Date
Generation Next

Professional Development

Harvey E. Najim Arts Integration Program

FREE professional development in Arts Integration!

Through a partnership with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education Program and our affiliation with the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts, The Tobin Center provides training for classroom teachers in arts integration.

CPE TEA Provider # 902-752

Click here to join our Generation NEXT email list for Professional Development opportunities through the Tobin Center.

Daniel
Daniel Barash

The first 5 registrants attending either of Daniel’s workshops will take home a set of shadow puppetry materials!

Shadow Math: Exploring Mathematics Through Shadow Puppetry | October 4th, 2025, 8:30 AM

(K-5)

Numbers and angles and…word problems, oh my! Math concepts are everywhere in our daily lives, and shadow puppetry (itself at the intersection of line, shape, and positive and negative space) is a wonderful medium to explore mathematical domains. In this workshop, participants first learn about shadow puppetry as an art form, including performance and puppet-making techniques. They then examine the natural connections between shadow puppetry and math concepts. Finally, they combine art form and mathematics curricula by learning to facilitate hands-on shadow puppetry experiences that explore specific mathematical content areas.

This workshop equips teachers with engaging, cross-curricular strategies that blend math with the arts, making abstract concepts concrete and memorable. By attending, teachers will gain:

  • Fresh tools to help students visualize and apply math concepts.
  • Creative activities that promote joy, engagement, and inclusivity.
  • Strategies for building interdisciplinary connections across math, ELAR, and theatre.
  • Ready-to-use lessons that boost student confidence, collaboration, and comprehension.

Shadow puppetry turns math into a story—and every student has a part to play.

TEKS Connections

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

MathematicsPK–5111.2–111.7, 111.22–111.36
TheatrePK–5117.103–117.318
ELARPK–5110.2–110.39
Social SkillsPK–5110.2–110.39, 117.103–117.318
Health / SELPK–5115.2–115.7

Register Now

Shadow Science: Exploring the Sciences Through Shadow Puppetry | October 4, 2025, 1:00 PM

(K-5)

From the water cycle to the great unknown, and everything in between…Science concepts are wondrous and captivating, and shadow puppetry (itself the result of the marvelous interplay of light and dark) is a perfect lens to explore these mysteries. In this workshop, participants first learn about shadow puppetry as an art form, including performance and puppet-making techniques. They then examine the connections between shadow puppetry and scientific concepts, and address STEAM and the Engineering Design Process as well. Finally, they combine art form and science curricula by learning to facilitate hands-on shadow puppetry experiences that explore specific scientific content areas.

This workshop gives teachers engaging, arts-integrated strategies to bring science to life for their students. By attending, teachers will gain:

  • Creative approaches to teaching science concepts that stick.
  • Hands-on activities aligned with the TEKS and the Engineering Design Process.
  • Tools to make science more accessible and exciting, especially for visual and kinesthetic learners.
  • Inspiration to connect STEAM disciplines in ways that build student confidence and curiosity.

Shadow puppetry turns science into a story of discovery—and helps every learner shine.

TEKS Connections

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

SciencePK–5112.11–112.39
SciencePK–5112.11–112.39, 126.25–126.47
TheatrePK–5117.103–117.318
ELARPK–5110.2–110.39
Social SkillsPK–5110.2–110.39, 117.103–117.318
Health / SELPK–5115.2–115.7

What Students Will Gain

  • A fun, hands-on way to visualize and explore scientific concepts.
  • Stronger understanding of light, cycles, systems, and processes through performance.
  • Opportunities to combine science and art using STEAM principles.
  • Practice in problem-solving and collaboration while building puppets and performances.

Register Now

David

David Gonzalez

One lucky participant will win two tickets to an upcoming performance at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts!

Rhythm, Rhyme, & Repetition: Key Elements to Elevate Curriculum Through Storytelling | October 6, 2025, 5:00 PM

(2-12)

This experiential “playshop” introduces the elements of rhythm, rhyme, and repetition as essential for exciting and engaging storytelling. Each of these elements is presented through fun exercises and games in such a way that participants easily comprehend their role in storytelling and acquire basic skills in their use. A familiar folk tale is used as the basis for the workshop and then sub-groups work together to design their own version of a story to tell to the others.

This session is designed for teachers who want to infuse fresh energy and creativity into their classrooms. Rhythm, rhyme, and repetition foster memory, engagement, and confidence—the same benefits students experience when these techniques are applied to lessons in reading, writing, and performance. Teachers will leave with:
• Ready-to-use storytelling strategies aligned with multiple TEKS areas.
• Practical ways to make lessons more dynamic, interactive, and student-centered.
• Renewed confidence that storytelling can open doors to literacy, history, and public speaking for every student.

When teachers harness the power of story, every lesson becomes a journey students want to take.

TEKS Connections  (Grades 2–12)

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

ELAR2–12110.12–110.39
Theatre2–12117.111–117.318
Social Studies / History2–12113.13–113.48
Health / SEL2–5115.4–115.7
Health / SEL6–12115.22–115.37

Register Now

Kassie

Kassie Misiewicz

One lucky teacher will take home a remote pointer / magnifier after each of Kassie’s workshops!

"Yes, and...": Developing Conversational Skills Through Improvisation | October 25, 2025, 8:30 AM
(2-5)

Improv provides a fun way for students to develop their active listening and spontaneous conversation skills.From circle time to morning meetings in the Responsive Classroom®, teachers are in search of ways to build a mutually supportive community, where students take turns leading and following, develop flexible thinking and build onto each other’s ideas. In this workshop, Kassie Misiewicz shares strategies to incorporate drama improvisation games into the classroom to strengthen important conversation skills of eye contact, concentration, cooperation and saying “Yes, and…” to their partner’s ideas.

This workshop equips teachers with engaging, ready-to-use improv strategies that strengthen both academic and social-emotional learning. By attending, teachers will:

  • Gain simple drama games that can be used in morning meetings, literacy blocks, or transitions.
  • Help students become more attentive listeners and stronger collaborators.
  • Foster a classroom culture of trust, flexibility, and support.
  • Leave with tools to make communication practice fun, meaningful, and memorable.

Improv empowers students to say “Yes, and…”—not only in drama, but in the way they learn, connect, and grow together.

TEKS Connections (K–6)

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

ELARK–6110.2–110.7
TheatreK–6117.102–117.112
Social StudiesK–6113.11–113.19
ScienceK–6112.11–112.16
Social Skills / SELK–6113.11–113.19
Health / SEL2–5115.4–115.7
Health / SEL6115.22

Register Now

Visualizing Vocabulary: A Drama-Based Approach to Deeper Word Understanding | October 25, 2025, 1:00 PM

(K-8)

Tired of vocabulary instruction that falls flat? In this active, hands-on workshop, discover how to use tableau—a powerful, low-risk drama strategy—to bring academic vocabulary to life. Explore adaptable techniques that help students analyze, apply, and internalize vocabulary across content areas. These strategies offer creative, collaborative, and embodied entry points into word learning that deepen comprehension and boost retention.

This workshop equips teachers with practical, arts-integrated tools to make vocabulary instruction engaging, effective, and student-centered. By attending, teachers will:

  • Gain ready-to-use drama strategies aligned with ELAR, Science, and Social Studies TEKS.
  • Discover how to turn vocabulary practice into active, collaborative exploration.
  • Help students retain and apply academic vocabulary more effectively across content areas.
  • Leave with strategies that transform vocabulary instruction from memorization into meaningful learning experiences.

Tableau makes words move—and helps students truly own the language they’re learning.

TEKS Connections

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

ELAR2–12110.12–110.36
Theatre2–12117.103–117.318
Social Studies2–12113.11–113.48
Science2–12112.11–112.39
Social Skills / SEL2–12113.11–113.48
Health / SEL2–5115.4–115.7
Health / SEL6–12115.22–115.37

Register Now

123
123

123 Andrés

Every participant will take home a goodie bag of ways to BRING THE  MUSIC to their classroom!

Bring the Music – Music, Movement, Memory, and Storytelling with 123 Andrés | January 26, 2026, 5:30 PM
(Pre-K-3)

Latin Grammy-winning duo 123 Andrés shows teachers how music and movement can transform early learning. In this joyful session, educators experience first-hand how rhythm, bilingual traditions, and playful activities can build community, spark curiosity, and deepen literacy skills. In this session, Christina and Andrés from 123 Andrés lead educators through games and movements that will wake us up, calm us down, and to engage with texts – whether it's to "show what we know" after reading informational texts, or explore character and setting in stories. 123 Andrés offer ideas for incorporating arts and music into your teaching and participants will leave with easy-to-use strategies to energize or calm a classroom, strengthen connections between music and text, and bring joy to everyday lessons.

This workshop is designed for teachers of PK–3rd grade, offering arts-integrated tools that align with reading, writing, math, history, social studies, music, theatre, and physical education TEKS. By attending, teachers will:
• Explore how music and rhythm support language and literacy development.
• Learn how movement strategies connect with comprehension and focus.
• Discover how storytelling through song fosters cultural understanding and inclusion.
• Leave with ready-to-use strategies that energize learning and help their students thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—through the arts.

Music makes learning stick—and brings joy into every classroom.

TEKS Connections

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

ELARPK–3110.2–110.5
TheatrePK–3117.103–117.111
History & Social StudiesPK–3113.11–113.14
MathematicsPK–3111.2–111.5
MusicPK–3117.102–117.107
Physical EducationPK–3116.2–116.5
Health / SELPK–3115.2–115.4

Register Now

Paige

Paige Whelan

One lucky participant from the photography workshop will take home a Polaroid camera and film!

One lucky participant from the reading workshop will take home a magnifying presentation pointer/remote!

Nurture Their Voice: Photography as a Tool for Writing | January 31, 2026, 8:30 AM

(K-8)

Every young writer has a compelling story to tell. Using tools that are already in your classroom, help them find their voice and organize their thoughts through a visual and kinesthetic process. Learn how students can create storyboards and conduct photo shoots that organically generate peer conferences with constructive feedback. When it comes time for that first draft, your aspiring authors will have sharpened a story that they can’t wait to write, revise, and share with the world. Bring your devices and experience how this collaborative practice engages and supports all learners.

This workshop equips teachers with practical, arts-integrated strategies that make writing instruction more engaging, collaborative, and student-centered. By attending, teachers will:
• Discover how storyboarding and photography foster creativity and support diverse learners.
• Learn ready-to-use strategies that build peer collaboration and meaningful feedback.
• Explore visual and kinesthetic approaches that align with multiple TEKS strands.
• Leave with concrete tools to help every student organize ideas, strengthen voice, and write with confidence.

Storytelling becomes a shared adventure—and every student has a story to tell.

TEKS Connections (Grades K–8)

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

ELARK–8110.11–110.24
TheatreK–8117.111–117.118
Technology ApplicationsK–8126.14–126.20
Social StudiesK–8113.11–113.20
Social Skills / SELK–8113.11–113.48
Visual ArtsK–8117.102–117.114
Health / SEL2–5115.4–115.7
Health / SEL6–8115.22–115.24

Register Now

From Art to Argument: Using the Arts to Enhance Constructed Response and Paired Reading Skills | January 31, 2026, 1:00 PM
(3-HS)

Boost student engagement and performance by integrating visual art and drama into reading and writing instruction! This interactive workshop equips teachers with creative strategies to help students analyze paired reading passages and develop stronger written responses. Participants will explore practical, standards-aligned activities that make test preparation more meaningful and enjoyable while fostering critical thinking and expression.

This workshop empowers teachers with arts-based strategies to transform test prep into meaningful learning. By attending, teachers will:

  • Gain ready-to-use activities that combine ELAR standards with theatre and visual arts.
  • Learn how to make test practice engaging, interactive, and student-centered.
  • Support students in building both academic skills and creative confidence.
  • Leave with practical, inspiring strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Arts integration doesn’t just prepare students for the test—it prepares them to think, create, and communicate for life.

TEKS Connections  (Grades 3–8 & High School)

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

ELAR3–8110.21–110.28
ELARHS110.31–110.39
Theatre3–8117.111–117.118
TheatreHS117.312–117.315
Visual Arts3–8117.111–117.118
Visual ArtsHS117.302–117.305
Social Studies / History3–12113.14–113.48
Health / SEL2–5115.4–115.7
Health / SELHS115.22–115.24

Register Now

Maria

Maria Tereza Schaedler-Luera

One lucky participant from each of Maria’s workshops will take home a magnifying presentation pointer/remote!

Acting Out Sneak Previews in the Language Arts Classroom | February 28, 2026, 8:30 AM
(2-8)

Experience the transformative power of sneak previews and ignite a passion for reading in your language arts classroom! Join Brazilian Theater Specialist Maria Schaedler-Luera in this immersive residency tailored for grades 2-8 teachers. Discover the art of narration and pantomime, as you learn to bring stories to life, creating an immersive experience that will leave your audience yearning for more. By unleashing your students’ creativity, fostering critical thinking, and cultivating a deep love for literature, you can revolutionize your language arts instruction. Join us for this dynamic professional development experience and embark on a journey of enchantment with the captivating world of sneak previews.

This professional learning experience equips teachers with ready-to-use drama strategies that make literacy instruction engaging, joyful, and standards-aligned. By attending, teachers will:

  • Gain practical storytelling and pantomime tools to integrate into reading instruction.
  • Learn strategies that make test prep and comprehension active and memorable.
  • Foster a classroom culture where students are eager, confident readers and thinkers.

Sneak Previews invite learners to step into stories, and when students own stories, students own their learning.

TEKS Connections (Grades 2–8)

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

ELAR2–8110.12–110.24
Theatre2–8117.104–117.118
Social Studies2–8113.13–113.20
Health / SEL2–5115.2–115.7
Health / SEL6–8115.22–115.24

Register Now

Math Made Fun: Engaging Improv Games for Elementary Math Concepts | February 28, 2026, 1:00 PM

(K-5)

Dive into the exciting world of improvisation and discover how it can revolutionize math education in your classroom. Join drama specialist and improv queen Maria Tereza Schaedler-Luera for a playful workshop designed for K-5 teachers. Discover a collection of interactive game-like learning structures that make math concepts come alive. From engaging activities that reinforce number sense, ordering, and mental math skills to creative explorations of geometry and measurement concepts, these dynamic games will transform your math lessons into exciting and interactive experiences. Enhance students’ critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and overall mathematical proficiency as you infuse your classroom with joy, collaboration, and a love for math!

This workshop equips teachers with innovative, standards-aligned improv strategies that make math more engaging, joyful, and meaningful. By attending, teachers will:

  • Learn ready-to-use classroom games that strengthen key math skills.
  • Discover how improv can turn abstract math into hands-on, visual, and memorable learning.
  • Foster a classroom environment where students embrace math with creativity and curiosity.

Math becomes more than numbers—it becomes movement, connection, and discovery.

TEKS Connections (K–5)

Subject

Grade Bands

TEKS Codes

MathematicsK–5111.2–111.7
TheatreK–5117.102–117.112
ELARK–5110.2–110.7
Social StudiesK–5113.11–113.16 (Citizenship, cooperation, civic responsibility)
Health / SELK–5115.2–115.7 (Self-control, respect, cooperation, empathy, decision-making)

Register Now

Momentum

The Tobin Center’s THIRD ANNUAL Arts Integration Conference!

Harvey E. Najim Arts Integration Program

Through the generosity of our donors, Generation NEXT will offer a full day of professional learning at no charge to teachers!  These inspiring workshops pair a curricular subject area with an art form, providing STEAM strategies that can be used immediately.

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 15TH!

Generation NEXT provides both live and virtual professional development, featuring nationally and internationally operating Teaching Artists.
CPE credit available

VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
On your own time, at your own pace

Reserve Now

All workshops are available August 5, 2024 and close June 30, 2025

Sean
Sean Layne
Defining Arts Integration: The What and Why

(PK—12)

This session unpacks the definition of arts integration and explores the characteristics of quality integration that align with best practices in education. What does quality look like in practice?  Join the co-author of the Kennedy Center’s internationally adopted definition for an informative, practical, and inspiring workshop that helps teachers and administrators deepen their understanding of how to weave the arts into core instruction with purpose and impact.

Teachers and leaders who attend will:

  • Gain a clear understanding of what arts integration is—and what it is not.
  • Learn the qualities of effective integration that lead to meaningful student outcomes.
  • See how arts integration supports academic success and social-emotional learning.
  • Leave with practical, TEKS-aligned strategies to bring back to their classrooms and schools.

Arts integration is more than adding an art project—it’s a way to transform learning so that students see, feel, and experience knowledge in powerful new ways.

TEKS Connections (PK–12)

English Language Arts & Reading (110.2–110.39)

  • Reading, writing, and oral communication strengthened through integration with drama, visual art, music, and movement.
  • Comprehension and author’s craft developed through multimodal interpretation (K.6–12.5, 12.6).
  • Oral presentation, listening, and discussion skills through performance and collaborative storytelling (K.1–12.1).

Social Studies (113.11–113.48)

  • Exploring cultural heritage and history through artistic traditions (K.2–12.23).
  • Connecting civic values and historical events through performance, music, and visual representation.

Science (112.11–112.39)

  • Using observation, description, and design processes that parallel arts-based inquiry (K.2–8.2; Biology 2, IPC 2).
  • Demonstrating understanding of systems, patterns, and processes through creative representation.

Mathematics (111.2–111.47)

  • Applying mathematical reasoning through artistic patterns, rhythm, and spatial design (K.1–12.1).
  • Communicating problem-solving processes through visual models, movement, and dramatic explanation.

Theatre (117.102–117.318)

  • Creative expression: role play, improvisation, and dramatization of academic content (K.2–HS IV.2).
  • Historical/cultural connections through storytelling, performance traditions, and context (K.3–HS IV.3).
  • Response and evaluation: reflection, analysis, and peer feedback in both artistic and academic work (K.4–HS IV.4).

Visual Arts (117.102–117.318)

  • Perception and observation skills applied to text, science, and history through art-making (K.1–HS IV.1).
  • Creative expression: using drawing, design, and visual storytelling to communicate meaning (K.2–HS IV.2).
  • Critical evaluation and reflection on artistic and interdisciplinary work (K.4–HS IV.4).

Music (117.102–117.327)

  • Creative expression: interpreting ideas through rhythm, melody, and song (K.2–HS IV.2).
  • Historical and cultural relevance of music across time and traditions (K.3–HS IV.3).
  • Critical evaluation: analyzing performance and connecting music to meaning in other disciplines (K.4–HS IV.4).

Dance (117.102–117.329)

  • Creative expression: using movement to represent concepts and communicate ideas (K.2–HS IV.2).
  • Perception: interpreting meaning in stories, culture, and science through movement (K.1–HS IV.1).
  • Critical evaluation and response to artistic and academic expression (K.4–HS IV.4).

Social Emotional Learning (SEL / Health 115.xx)

  • Self-Awareness: Expressing thoughts and feelings through creative processes.
  • Self-Management: Building focus and persistence through rehearsal, revision, and performance.
  • Social Awareness: Understanding multiple perspectives through stories, art, and cultural traditions.
  • Relationship Skills: Strengthening collaboration and teamwork in ensemble and group projects.
  • Responsible Decision-Making: Applying reflection, evaluation, and creative problem-solving to both academic and artistic work.

Crossover TEKS Highlights

  • ELAR + Theatre: Oral storytelling and dramatization build comprehension and performance skills.
  • Math + Dance: Rhythm, pattern, and sequencing connect directly to mathematical reasoning.
  • Science + Visual Arts: Observation, sketching, and modeling link scientific inquiry with artistic practice.
  • Social Studies + Music: Songs and traditions illustrate historical context and cultural identity.
  • SEL + All Arts: Collaboration, empathy, and reflection are embedded in arts-integrated learning.

 

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Acting Right - Building a Cooperative, Collaborative, Creative Classroom Community Through Drama

(PK-12)

This step-by-step approach integrates engaging aspects of drama with effective elements of classroom management to empower students to take ownership of their own behavior. Used in classrooms across the country, these strategies help students develop the behavioral literacy needed to concentrate, cooperate, collaborate, and establish a sense of calm, focus, and balance in the classroom. Teachers will learn drama-based tools that support responsibility, focus, and positive participation.

Teachers who attend will:

  • Gain ready-to-use drama strategies to support classroom management.
  • Learn techniques that promote student responsibility and ownership of behavior.
  • Foster a positive, cooperative classroom culture rooted in respect and balance.
  • Discover how arts integration can make behavioral expectations engaging, memorable, and effective.

Drama isn’t just performance—it’s a powerful tool for building the calm, focused classrooms where students thrive.

TEKS Connections (K–12)

English Language Arts & Reading (110.2–110.39)

  • Oral Language (K.1–12.1): Practice listening and responding in group and performance settings.
  • Speaking Skills (K.3–12.3): Express ideas clearly, respectfully, and with awareness of audience.

Theatre (117.102–117.318)

  • Creative Expression (K.2–HS IV.2): Apply drama games, role-play, and tableau to practice focus and self-regulation.
  • Response & Evaluation (K.4–HS IV.4): Reflect on behavior, choices, and collaboration through dramatic activities.

Social Studies (113.11–113.48)

  • Citizenship (K.13–12.23): Demonstrate responsibility, respect, and community participation.
  • Culture & Community: Explore how individual actions contribute to group and classroom success.

Health Education (115.2–115.24)

  • Self-Management (K.5–8.12): Practice strategies for self-control, managing emotions, and building calm focus.
  • Social Interaction (K.11–8.12): Demonstrate cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Decision-Making (K.10–8.11): Reflect on personal choices and their impact on others.

Physical Education (116.2–116.52)

  • Movement & Spatial Awareness (K.1–5.1): Explore body control, spatial relationships, and physical focus through tableau and drama games.
  • Teamwork & Cooperation (K.3–5.3): Apply cooperative strategies in physical and group activities.

Social Skills / SEL (integrated through Health TEKS)

  • Self-Awareness: Recognize feelings and behaviors in oneself and others.
  • Self-Management: Build responsibility, calm focus, and persistence through drama routines.
  • Social Awareness: Develop empathy and understanding by taking on roles and perspectives.
  • Relationship Skills: Strengthen cooperation, listening, and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Responsible Decision-Making: Reflect on the impact of actions within a group.

Crossover TEKS Highlights

  • ELAR + Theatre: Storytelling, speaking, and listening skills practiced in drama games and tableau.
  • Theatre + Health: Drama activities reinforce self-management, reflection, and emotional awareness.
  • PE + Theatre: Spatial awareness and body control connect directly to movement standards.
  • Social Studies + SEL: Responsibility, respect, and citizenship explored through cooperative classroom communities.

Register Now

Jamin
Jamin Carter
Cut Paper: A Pathway to Creative Writing
(K-6)

The process of writing stories can be challenging for young authors. In this workshop, teachers will explore how students can use scissors, glue, and construction paper to create artwork that bridges the gap between unformed ideas and unique, descriptive stories. By working with elements of art—shape, color, and space—students make concrete connections to story components like character, setting, events, main idea, and details. Participants will leave with workable, accessible tools to help students generate ideas, think divergently, and write creatively.

This session gives teachers practical, arts-integrated tools to make writing accessible, joyful, and inspiring for all students. By attending, teachers will:

  • Learn hands-on strategies that connect art-making with the writing process.
  • Discover how to help students overcome writer’s block by visualizing ideas.
  • Gain TEKS-aligned activities that support literacy, creativity, and social-emotional growth.
  • Leave with a new toolkit for transforming blank pages into imaginative, student-driven stories.

Art unlocks storytelling—and helps every child see themselves as an author.

TEKS Connections (Grades K–6)

English Language Arts & Reading (110.2–110.16)

  • Writing Process (K.11–6.11): Plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish stories with support.
  • Comprehension & Response (K.6–6.6; K.7–6.7): Identify and describe characters, settings, and events; connect artwork to story elements.
  • Oral Language (K.1–6.1): Share ideas clearly, listen to peers, and engage in collaborative discussion.

Visual Arts (117.102–117.111)

  • Creative Expression (K.2–6.2): Use shape, color, and space to represent characters, settings, and events.
  • Historical/Cultural Heritage (K.3–6.3): Connect visual storytelling to personal, cultural, and community traditions.
  • Response & Evaluation (K.4–6.4): Reflect on and critique choices in both visual artwork and narrative writing.

Social Studies (113.11–113.16)

  • Culture (K.13–6.13): Explore stories that reflect family, community, or cultural identity.
  • History/Chronology (K.3–6.3): Sequence events in personal or fictional narratives.

Social Skills / SEL (integrated through Health TEKS 115.xx)

  • Collaboration: Work with peers to share and discuss visual stories.
  • Confidence: Present artwork and writing in supportive group settings.
  • Creativity & Divergent Thinking: Explore multiple solutions and perspectives through the integration of art and writing.

Crossover TEKS Highlights

  • ELAR + Visual Arts: Storyboarding with cut paper strengthens planning and sequencing in the writing process.
  • ELAR + Social Studies: Storytelling connects to cultural identity and chronological understanding.
  • Visual Arts + SEL: Reflection and evaluation of artwork encourage self-expression and confidence.
  • ELAR + SEL: Sharing stories builds collaboration, communication, and peer feedback skills.

Register Now

Jessica
Jessica DiLorenzo
Creatively Moving Through SEL Part 1: Feelings and Awareness

(PK-12)

Our emotional states shift as we move through the events of our day. This workshop explores a step-by-step process that connects the elements of movement to social-emotional learning skills like self-management, mind and body awareness, and self-expression. Participants will gain tools to introduce creative movement and mindful breathing techniques that help both students and teachers tune into and transform emotions in healthy, constructive ways.

Teachers who attend will:

  • Learn accessible movement and mindfulness activities that work across grade levels.
  • Gain tools to help students build SEL competencies alongside academic learning.
  • Discover ways to support teacher wellness through shared practices with students.
  • Leave with ready-to-use strategies that make classrooms calmer, more focused, and more joyful.

Movement becomes more than exercise—it becomes a pathway to balance, resilience, and emotional growth for both students and teachers.

TEKS Connections (PK–12)

Health Education (115.2–115.24)

  • Self-Management (K.5–8.12): Identify and practice strategies for calming, focusing, and managing emotions.
  • Emotional Health (K.1–8.1): Recognize and express feelings in safe and healthy ways.
  • Personal Responsibility (K.10–8.11): Demonstrate responsible decision-making in relation to self and others.
  • Wellness Practices (K.7–8.7): Explore healthy routines for managing stress, including breathing and movement.

English Language Arts & Reading (110.2–110.39)

  • Oral Language & Expression (K.1–12.1): Practice listening and speaking through sharing stories of emotions and experiences.
  • Comprehension (K.6–12.5): Make meaning from texts by connecting emotions, movement, and expression.
  • Response Skills (K.7–12.7): Discuss and reflect on characters’ feelings and perspectives, linking them to personal expression.

Social Studies (113.11–113.48)

  • Culture & Identity (K.2–12.23): Explore how communities express values and traditions through movement and gesture.
  • Citizenship (K.10–12.23): Demonstrate respect, responsibility, and empathy in group interactions.

Dance (117.102–117.329)

  • Creative Expression (K.2–HS IV.2): Use movement and gesture to communicate emotions, ideas, and stories.
  • Perception & Awareness (K.1–HS IV.1): Understand personal space, body awareness, and the elements of time, force, and energy in movement.
  • Response & Evaluation (K.4–HS IV.4): Reflect on how movement expresses emotions and supports self-regulation.
  • Connections (K.5–HS IV.5): Relate dance and expressive movement to wellness, culture, and daily life.

Social Skills / Social and Emotional Learning (integrated through Health TEKS)

  • Self-Awareness: Identifying emotions and linking them to movement and expression.
  • Self-Management: Using breathing, gesture, and creative movement to regulate emotions and energy.
  • Social Awareness: Interpreting the emotions of others through body language and stories.
  • Relationship Skills: Building empathy, cooperation, and communication through shared movement.
  • Responsible Decision-Making: Choosing constructive ways to express and transform emotions.
  • Social Skills: Practicing listening, turn-taking, and collaboration in group creative activities.

Crossover TEKS Highlights

  • Dance + ELAR: Use gesture and movement to retell, interpret, and discuss stories and characters’ emotions.
  • Dance + Health: Physical expression and mindful movement connect directly to emotional regulation and wellness.
  • ELAR + SEL: Oral storytelling and reflection support self-awareness and communication skills.
  • Social Studies + SEL: Community, empathy, and cultural traditions are reinforced through expressive movement.
  • SEL + Social Skills: Drama and movement activities build cooperation, respectful communication, and group responsibility.

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Harlen
Harlan Brownlee
Moving Through Weather: Exploring the Atmosphere with Dance
(3-6)

Combining his training as a pilot and choreographer, Harlan Brownlee leads you through an interactive exploration of weather that you can bring back to your classroom. Learn strategies that connect motions of the body and elements of dance to the structure of the earth’s atmosphere and to cloud formations that create wind and weather conditions. This workshop helps students embody science concepts while building collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Wear comfortable clothes for movement!

This workshop gives teachers creative, TEKS-aligned tools to make weather concepts tangible and exciting. By attending, teachers will:

  • Learn movement-based strategies to reinforce science content.
  • Discover how to help students visualize and internalize weather systems.
  • Integrate arts and science to boost engagement and retention.
  • Bring back ready-to-use activities that connect STEM and creativity.

Weather is all around us—this workshop helps students see it, feel it, and understand it through the power of movement.

TEKS Connections (Grades 3–6)

Science (112.11–112.20)

  • Weather & Environment (K.8, 1.8, 2.10, 3.8, 4.8, 5.8): Observe, model, and describe weather patterns and processes.
  • Scientific Practices (K.1–5.3): Use models, representations, and communication to explain observations.
  • Systems & Patterns: Represent cycles and sequences (e.g., water cycle, storm formation) through dance-based models.

English Language Arts & Reading (110.2–110.22)

  • Oral Language & Speaking (K.1–5.1): Develop speaking skills by describing weather models and explaining processes.
  • Expository Communication (K.7–5.7): Present information clearly using subject-specific vocabulary.
  • Listening & Collaboration: Respond to peer presentations and provide feedback.

Dance (117.102–117.116)

  • Creative Expression (K.2–8.2): Use movement to model weather systems through force, energy, shape, and sequencing.
  • Perception & Awareness (K.1–8.1): Explore body, space, and energy concepts in representing natural processes.
  • Response & Evaluation (K.4–8.4): Reflect on how movement choices communicate scientific ideas.
  • Connections (K.5–8.5): Relate movement to real-world phenomena like weather and natural patterns.

Social and Emotional Learning (integrated through Health TEKS 115.xx)

  • Collaboration: Work in groups to design and present movement models.
  • Confidence & Expression: Share ideas and physical models with peers.
  • Critical Thinking: Use creative problem-solving to connect dance choices with scientific content.

Crossover TEKS Highlights

  • Dance + Science: Modeling weather through force, energy, and sequencing directly supports both movement concepts and scientific understanding.
  • Science + ELAR: Explaining weather models aloud builds clarity in expository speaking.
  • Dance + SEL: Movement-based group work builds confidence, collaboration, and communication.

Register Now

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