Exploring Standards Through the Arts

Manteca Unified Arts Integration Pilot Program

In a classroom at August Knodt Elementary, third-grade students sat in anticipation, their eyes fixed on a mysterious bag at the front of the room. Their task? To use critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity to uncover what was inside.

Jeannie Pacheco, Manteca Unified’s Arts Integration Specialist, spearheading the district’s Arts Integration Pilot Program, led this engaging lesson. This innovative program weaves California’s essential grade-level learning standards into lessons incorporating artistic expression, helping students explore subjects like math and science through creativity.

Guided by their teacher, Thomas Huerta, the students began an interactive investigation, forming hypotheses about the hidden object. They practiced asking thoughtful questions, carefully counted each inquiry, and applied their understanding of three-dimensional shapes to make educated guesses. They refined their thinking with every question, using reasoning and prior knowledge to solve the mystery.

By the end of the lesson, students had not only discovered the instrument hidden in the bag but also strengthened their problem-solving skills and deepened their understanding of key academic concepts—all while having fun.

“By overlapping concepts in a creative and meaningful way, students’ minds light up, making learning both exciting and memorable. When lessons are infused with art, recall becomes effortless because the experience itself is filled with joy and discovery,” shared MUSD Arts Integration Specialist Jeannie Pacheco.

“Art is so much more than just painting and drawing—it’s dance, music, drama, and the entire world of Visual and Performing Arts coming to life! Students eagerly anticipate their VAPA [visual and performing arts] time, and their excitement is contagious. Classrooms buzz with energy as teachers and students immerse themselves in the joy of artistic expression, turning learning into an unforgettable experience.”

Students explored real grade-level standards, including Science standards, “Ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes,” “Use or develop scientific models to explore and test scientific principles or phenomenon,” and Math standards, such as “Interpret products of whole numbers with respect to groups and objects.” These are real California learning standards that can be found on a student's Standards-Based Report Card in 3^rd grade!

Through the Arts Integration Pilot Program, Pacheco is bringing learning to life, showing students and teachers, alike how creativity and critical thinking can go hand in hand.