Peer Review

There is a systematic structure to this open-source text that allows users to quickly grasp how use and search for specific information. Although the authors are not arts educators themselves, they do present some key overarching key concepts for approaching the arts that contribute to a greater understanding of arts education teaching and experiences. Chapters address arts integration, three Rs, music, visual arts, literary arts poetry, performing arts, P.E. and movement. Technologies and additional sources are also included for these chapters. The content addressing the research on arts integration helps to provide a strong rationale for why the arts need to be included in the elementary curriculum. 

It would be extremely helpful to have the basic elements (for example in Visual Arts: line, shape, color, texture, etc.) included, even as basic list in each of the arts chapters. Even though the text focuses on integration, instruction and integration needs to build on these foundational concepts.

Many of the resources are hyperlinked. It is not easy to identify these as there are no underlines or colorations to note the hyperlink.  If you are reading online, the only way to return from the hyperlink is to use the back arrow on the browser which takes you to the table of contents.

The references and resources included at the end of each chapter are not completely in APA formatting which can be confusing if you want to use this text with preservice teachers and expect them to use APA.   formatting.

The text is systematically organized with a specific focus for each chapter followed by a selected reading, additional sources, and in three of the chapters technology information. Although the chapters are short, there are some valuable points made.  Examples are given throughout the text.

The introduction of the concepts is thoughtful in each chapter, drawing on many outside sources for examples of suggest activities. Each of the activities is listed with a URL that is hyperlinked. Again, there is no indicator that the URLs are hyperlinked unless the mouse points it out.  As well, when returning from the outside link, the reader is taken back to the title of the textbook rather than to the place where they used the link if they are reading the text online.  When the text is downloaded and read using Acrobat Reader, the URLs are found in the user's browser.

The general layout of the text is organized and allows users to easily move through the text. The use of images, diagrams, and charts helps to clarify the content.

The lack of indicator that there are live hyperlinks can be frustrating for users.