Artistic expression plays a vital role in literacy. It deepens understanding, nurtures creativity, and makes learning more meaningful. In a subject as foundational as literacy, where comprehension, communication, and creativity intersect, integrating the arts allows our students to see and feel the narratives beyond the written word.
In our #AlQaReading book club, this impact is amplified. Take, for instance, "James and the Giant Peach", by Roald Dahl. Encouraging students to engage with the text through different forms of art (drawing, sketching, dramatising, creative writing, etc. respecting the principles of the Universal Design for Learning) enhances their comprehension and provides them with new ways to connect with the story. For instance, drawing the story of the first three chapters or acting out scenes from the story helps students visualise and empathise with the characters, building a personal connection to the material that goes beyond just words on a notebook page.
Beyond just understanding plot and themes, artistic expression in literacy encourages students to interpret the text on their terms. It fosters critical thinking, as they decide how to represent elements of the story and connect them to broader life experiences. Each student may bring a unique perspective, whether through a visual representation of a chapter, a personal story that echoes James’s journey, or a poem inspired by a character’s emotions.
As we can see, artistic expression in literacy is not merely a supplementary activity but an essential component of it that actually cultivates curiosity and makes learning a fresher and more dynamic experience.
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