Creative Curriculums
Created by Trust Arts Education Teaching Artists, Creative Curriculums are PA Standards aligned arts-integrated extensions to classroom curriculums. Each one consists of three activities focused on a specific art form or theme, plus one family activity to expand the learning into the home. Curriculums are formatted as PDF so they can either be led virtually by educators or printed and delivered directly to students to be completed independently.
Creative Curriculums is a project of Trust Arts Education.
Butterflies, Butterflies Everywhere
By Joanna Abel
Recommended for Grades K-3
There is so much to do and learn with butterflies! Celebrate the arrival of spring with these colorful creations. Get inspired to make butterfly poems and learn how to move your bodies while exploring the life cycle of a butterfly.
PA Standards Aligned:
CC1.4K-5.U With some guidance and support use technology to produce and publish writing.
9.1.3-5.A: Know & use the elements & principles of each art form to create works in the arts & humanities.
Bring on the Bubbles
By Lisa Leibering
Recommended for Grades 3 and up
Create a giant wand, mix the bubble solution, and then get ready to blow your giant bubbles! There is fun for everyone in this active outdoor learning.
PA Standards Aligned:
3.2.4D: Recognize and use the technological design process to solve problems
9.1.3-5.H: Handle materials, equipment, and tools safely at work and performance spaces
Can you Picture This?
By Randall Coleman
Recommended for Grades 4 and Up
Get in focus as we explore the art of still life photography. Explore unique textures and patterns around the room, and learn how to edit your photos using a free app called Snapseed.
PA Standards Aligned:
CC1.4-5.Q: Choose words and phrases for effect
9.1.3-5.A: Know & use the elements & principles of each art form to create works in the arts & humanities.
Creating and Portraying a Character
By Cassidy Adkins
Character analysis from an acting point of view.
PA Standards Aligned:
9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
9.1.5.C: Know and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.1.5.E: Know and demonstrate how arts can communicate experiences, stories or emotions through the production of works in the arts.
Curious Constructions
By Lindsay Woge
Become an architect of paper and cardboard, while stacking, connecting, and balancing your way to a curious construction!
Kindergarten learning goals:
2.3 K.A.2 Analyze, compare, create, and compose two- and three-dimensional shapes.
2.4 K.A.4 Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category.
9.1.V K.A Know and use basic elements of visual arts (shape and form).
Dancing the Patterns
By Celeta Hickman
Recommended for Pre-K
Through song and movement, young children will learn a pattern dance using call and response style singing. Create your own dance patterns, make up dances to various shapes, and teach the whole family something new!
PA Standards Aligned:
AL.2.PK.D: Recognize and extend simple patterns
2.3.PK.A.1: Identify and describe shapes
9.1.M.PK.B: Respond to different types of music and dance through participation and discussion
Paper People
By Tucker Topel
Best for grades 6-9
Creating a paper person to open up the world in a smaller view.
PA Standards Aligned:
CC1.4K-5.M: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.
9.1.3-5.A: Know & use the elements & principles of each art form to create works in the arts & humanities.
9.1.3-5.H: Handle materials, equipment, and tools safely at work and performance spaces
Playing with Pocket Bunnies
By Lisa Leibering
Recommended for Grades 2 - 5
Make your own playful bunny that fits easily into your pocket so they can always be with you. Send your bunnies on adventures through your imagination, create some other creatures with recycled materials and fabrics, and gather the entire family for group activities!
PA Standards Aligned:
CC1.4K-5.M: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.
9.1.3-5.A: Know & use the elements & principles of each art form to create works in the arts & humanities.
Rain Storm Parade
By Taylor Couch
Recommended for Pre-K
Explore energy movements with the book, The Rain Stomper by Addie Boswell. Start with a warm up movement activity, work through lessons focusing on light and heavy energy, and end with a rain storm parade with the entire family!
PA Standards Aligned:
9.1.M PK.E: Use imagination and creativity to express self through music and dance.
10.4 PK.A: Demonstrate coordination of body movements in active play.
2.3 PK.A.1: Identify and describe shapes
Songwriting Startup!
By Chantal Joseph
Recommended for Grades 5 and up
Work through different elements of songwriting, including the bass, rhyme, and rhyme schemes. Let your imagination run wild and have fun making up theme songs.
PA Standards Aligned:
9.1.M PK.E: Use imagination and creativity to express self through music and dance.
10.4 PK.A: Demonstrate coordination of body movements in active play.
2.3 PK.A.1: Identify and describe shapes