Literacy and the Arts
Literacy is far more than being able to read and write. Because meaning is the core of literacy, it is the ability to decode and encode in any of the forms through which meaning is conveyed. What cannot be conveyed in words is often possible in the visual, auditory, choreographic forms. Literacy is about understanding the meaning of human codes. Meaning can be conveyed through words, signs or symbols.
In the arts, these codes can be written, aural or visual. Literacy in the arts is also evident in the way students use the English language to talk, read and write about their own and other artist's works. Literacy in the arts is also evident when students use and understand symbols, images, movement, sound and artistic conventions.
Student literacy can be developed both in and through the arts by:
- Focused reading and writing activities that address specific skills identified in English outcomes e.g. grammar, spelling, comprehension
- The use of appropriate text scaffolds, such as narrative, response, review and procedure to develop skills in talking, listening, reading and writing
- Focusing on arts content and pedagogy that enhances literacy learning, including integrated practices of making and appreciating, experiential learning, specific texts such as artist statements, citations, journal
- Focusing on literacies particular to the arts: visual literacy, aural literacy, kinaesthetic literacy, critical literacy, social and cultural literacies.
Rhode Island Arts Learning Network
Promoting literacy in the arts for all students
Engaging Students Through Multiliteracies
How can Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) be utilized to both engage students and better prepare them to face the challenges they will meet in the world of work, social citizenship and family life?
The National Literacy Trust, founded in 1993, is an independent UK charity dedicated to building a literate nation. The National Literacy Trust is dedicated to keeping up-to-date with research and to disseminating findings to academics, practitioners and policy-makers.
http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/research/researchindex3.html
