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Start with the Arts

logo of starts with the artsProviding creative learning opportunities through the arts in hundreds of classrooms across the country!

Start with the Arts is an instructional program created by VSA arts for pre-school and early elementary school learners that uses the arts to assist young children, including those with disabilities, in exploring themes commonly taught in early childhood classrooms.


Start with the Arts:

  • Builds and strengthens specific skills in literacy and the arts by developing children’s creativity
  • Uses arts and literary activities to engage children in expressing concepts, thoughts and feelings
  • Helps children to develop their understanding of their personal relationship to the world around them
  • Includes resources for parents to continue their children’s learning at home

Cover of Start with the ArtsPreview excerpts from the Start with the Arts Teacher's Guide online:

  • Start with the Arts - Introduction
  • Start with the Arts - Using a Thematic Approach
  • Visual Arts sample activity: Getting to Know Me
  • Creative Movement sample activity: Watch Me Move
  • Music sample activity: Moods and Feelings
  • Creative Drama sample activity: Puppet Interview

Start with the Arts materials include: 

  • A comprehensive Start with the Arts Teacher's Guide containing 54 Start with the Arts learning experiences and tips for implementing the lessons.
  • A CD-ROM with printable lesson plans.
  • Student Learning Logs and "Learn Along at Home" letters to parents for each arts experience.
  • If you would like to purchase Start with the Arts it is available for, US $59.00, plus shipping and handling.

Start with the Arts Professional Development Opportunities through VSA arts Institutes:

  • Provide artists, educators, and parents the opportunity to explore techniques for incorporating Start with the Arts into existing early childhood curricula
  • Learn strategies for promoting inclusion of children with disabilities into grade level classrooms
  • Network with veteran Start with the Arts educators.

For more  information about the Start with the Arts program, materials, Institutes, or to order your copies please contact:

VSA arts
818 Connecticut Avenue NW,  Suite 600
Washington DC. 20006
Voice: 202-628-2800
Toll free: 800-933-8721
TTY: 202-737-0645
E-mail: info@vsarts.org