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Module Title: “Using Art to Teach Literacy”
Grade: K-8
Module Developers: Katherine O’Connor, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education, East Carolina University
Beth Shaw-McGuire, Ackland Art Museum Senior Educator, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Debbie Huggins, Art Teacher, Pitt County Schools
Master Teacher Instructor: Debbie Huggins, Art Teacher, Pitt County Schools
Module Overview: Participants examine subject integration through the use of art to teach literacy. Focus is placed on explicit teaching about literacy elements (i.e. conflict, sequence, cause and effect, main idea & supporting detail), and how to develop and ask substantive questions when discussing a piece of art in conjunction with a narrative or expository text. Access to one or more students is needed to complete the requirements for this module.
Technology requirements include the ability to send and receive email with and without attachments, use a word processing program such as Microsoft Word, and searching the Internet for a piece of quality art by looking on museum websites. Sample websites will be provided (This is an optional step since some learners may use a piece of art from a local art museum.)
Participant Review of this Module:
Subject integration was key in this module, using art to reinforce reading elements. The instructor provided a variety of websites. My students choose a piece of art then I choose a comprehension category. I choose the interpretation category. We researched the piece of art, discussed how it related to the category of focus. I developed a six-point lesson plan and we went from there. The instructor provided us with a link to National Public Radio to hear an interview with Robert Redford on the importance of Art. My students did not know him and that in itself was a learning experience. We had a fabulous time as a class learning about museums and artists, local/state and national. I live in Morehead City, NC and we have a very active Arts Council with great local artist. This module taught me to tap into the resources that we have free in our own area. My students gained a sincere appreciation of the Arts.
Joy Hewett
Exceptional Children’s Teacher
Sand Ridge Elementary School
Jacksonville, NC
