Enhancing Literacy Skills Through Creative Arts Integration

.pdf

School

Grand Canyon University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

622

Subject

Communications

Date

Jun 10, 2024

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by JusticePheasantPerson870

ECE 622 Topic 2 DQ 2 Integrating creative arts into ELA can significantly enhance student investment in literacy skills. By incorporating artistic elements like drama, music, and visual arts, students engage in multimodal learning experiences that make literacy skills more interesting and enjoyable. “Classrooms are full of individuals that learn in different ways. For example, some students learn aurally, visually, or kinesthetically. Some learn quickly, others struggle, and still others fall somewhere between. Acknowledging this diversity, many educators are recognizing that it is no longer appropriate to approach teaching as a singular, one-size-fits-all endeavor. Recognizing the wide variance that exists within any group of learners, educators are recommending that teachers offer multiple and varied avenues to learning” (Silverstein, 2020) . We are not in a type of classroom where a one size fits all model, students have different ways of learning and understanding. For example, students might create storyboards or comic strips to summarize a reading assignment, blending visual creativity with literacy comprehension. This method not only makes the learning process more engaging but also helps in the retention and understanding of the material (Eisner, 2002). Personally, I find incorporating music into learning, especially ELA, highly effective. I have used music to teach everything from letter sounds and parts of speech to rhyming words. Differentiating for students with exceptionalities in such activities is crucial to ensure all students benefit. For instance, students with dyslexia might struggle with traditional text-based activities but could excel when given the opportunity to express their understanding through drawing or singing. Providing multiple means of expression allows these students to demonstrate their comprehension in ways that align with their strengths. In a classroom activity where students create a storyboard to summarize a story, a student with dyslexia could draw the scenes and use voice recordings to explain each part, thus participating fully without the barrier of extensive writing. This approach aligns with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, which advocate for providing various ways for students to engage with and express their learning (CAST, 2018). Another example of differentiation could be a project where students create song lyrics about the themes and characters of a novel they have read in class. In groups, students can choose roles that align with their learning styles. For instance, students who enjoy writing can focus on drafting the lyrics, while those musically inclined can create the melody. Students who prefer visual arts can design album covers or illustrations representing the song's themes. Additionally, students who excel in verbal expression can present the song to the class or explain the connection between the lyrics and the

novel. This approach ensures that each student can contribute in a way that leverages their strengths and interests. By integrating creative arts and differentiating instruction, teachers can build a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. This not only fosters investment in literacy skills across all content areas but also supports the diverse needs of all students, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help