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Laura Giles

Integrating Drawing with Mathematics: It Works!

March 23, 2026

As a first-grade teacher, I know that one of the most difficult mathematical skills for young students to master is that of solving word problems. Often, they have difficulty understanding what the story is all about. Should they add or subtract? How can they solve it?

Laura Giles

What My Students (and I) Learned from a BYU Arts Bridge Scholar

March 24, 2025
What can a group of first grade students and an experienced classroom teacher learn from a university arts student? As it turns out – a lot! My class recently had the privilege of hosting a BYU dance student for a semester. Everything about this experience was positive. It was a time of learning, fun, and connecting. There were too many benefits to write about here, but these are a few of them.
Laura Giles

Students Share Heartfelt Love for the Arts

July 15, 2024
Students across the state speak out about why the arts are critical to their well-being, education, and positive experience at school. Watch videos and read student's own words expressing their passion for maintaining the arts in schools.
Laura Giles

NACI Lesson Plans are Powerful in the Classroom

February 4, 2024

Amplifying Native Voices & Building Bridges

Amplifying Native Voices in the classroom and building bridges between Native and educational communities are the goals of the BYU ARTS Partnership’s Native American Curriculum Initiative (NACI).

Laura Giles

Rounding Out Learning: Re-focus on Small Motor Skills

December 5, 2023
Children's fine motor skills are declining, most likely due to increased screen time. In this blog, learn strategies to get students practicing fine motor skills and encourage hands-on learning in your classroom.
Laura Giles

Students Learn the Life of an Artist Through His Art

May 27, 2022
Second grade students at Fox Hollow Elementary School in Lehi recently became acquainted with the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat through his story and his art.
Laura Giles

Teachers as Artists: Get to Know Teresa Love

April 21, 2021
Laura Giles introduces Teresa Love, a seasoned drama and arts educator. Teresa shares her commitment to preparing teachers to bring theatre into their student's lives. She shares how teachers can include storytelling, puppetry, theatre games, improvisation, and other integrated activities every day.
Laura Giles

Art Gallery in McKay Building Showcases Children Artists

April 6, 2021
Read about the Children's Art Gallery in the McKay School of Education at BYU and how this exciting addition to the university is built on principles within the four studio structures, encouraging and enabling children to create art.
Laura Giles

Teachers as Artists: Get to Know Heather Francis

March 9, 2021
Dance teaching artist, math educator, instructional designer, and BYU ARTS Partnership research and design lead, Heather Francis is passionate about advocating for the arts for children.
Laura Giles

Teachers as Artists: Get to Know Jennifer Purdy

February 16, 2021
Meet Jennifer Purdy, music educator and member of the BYU ARTS Partnership leadership team. Jen is an accomplished artist and musician who loves to share her expertise, experience, lesson plans, and ideas with other teachers.
Laura Giles

 

 
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