Development and Practice of Integrated Classes in Foreign Language Activities and Arts and Crafts:

Expression through Images Inspired by the Shape and Sound of the Alphabet

Abstract

In response to the demand for multidisciplinary learning and connections between subjects in education today, this study developed integrated learning in Foreign Language Activities and Arts and Crafts based on the theory of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and examined its effects in practice. During arts and crafts classes, children drew images inspired by the shape and sound of the letters of the alphabet. “Fostering sensitivity” is normally not a learning objective in the case of Foreign Language activities; through integration with Arts and Crafts, however, it was expected that holistic educational effects will be achieved by appealing to childrenʼs imagination and sensitivity in the study of the alphabet, which may otherwise be perceived as dull, uninteresting symbols. In the “play” process of assembling the images inspired by the three elements of sound, shape, and color, the children developed original meanings for the letters. The result was a learning synergy based on the fusion of the two subjects.