Abstract: The improvement of literacy standards is an important goal for educators. This paper focuses on how activities
and strategies from the Creative Arts can enhance the learning of literacy, particularly for young learners (Kindergarten
– Year 6). However, the strategies can be adopted and adapted for older age groups. Art, children’s literature, drama and
information technology - all have the potential to inspire students to achieve (Winch et al. 2006). Literacy skills are important
since they are the bedrock for learning in all disciplines. Innovative ideas to improve reading, writing, listening and
speaking are drawn from the Creative Arts. Stimuli is provided from popular writers and their award winning texts. The
writer and illustrator Anthony Browne in The Shape Game offers many artistic ideas to engage students. Similarly, Shaun
Tan’s wordless picture book The Arrival and Li Cunxin’s extraordinary The Peasant Prince: The True Story of Mao’s Last
Dancer, provide opportunities for literacy and drama activities in the classroom. The animated television characters of
Graeme Base’s Animalia can serve as a springboard for teachers to encourage literacy. |