Madison Reporter

Art teacher Amy Wilson is implementing a unique approach to integrating literacy with art in her classes at Muir Elementary. By combining picture books with art projects, she aims to enhance students' creativity and social-emotional learning.

This month, second-grade students are exploring printmaking by using symbols, lines, and patterns to create colorful designs. These works will form part of a "mini museum" collection. Wilson has introduced the students to artists such as Zapotec weaver Porfirio Gutierrez, pop artist Keith Haring, and Chicana altar installation artist Ofelia Esparza to inspire diverse design possibilities.

Wilson's class goes beyond traditional art history lessons by incorporating reading into the curriculum. Recently, she read "Rainbow Weaver," written by Linda Elovitz Marshall and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, which tells the story of an Indigenous Guatemalan girl creating Mayan textiles. The book serves as a tool for teaching perseverance and cultural connections.

"We've curated these prints inspired by the artists that we learned about," Wilson explained. "The book is an opportunity to learn a social-emotional skill like perseverance or another opportunity to connect culturally and socially."

Second-grader Leah expressed her enjoyment of reading in art class, particularly enjoying reading aloud in Spanish. She related her experience with overcoming challenges in her artwork to the character's journey in the book.

"Perseverance is something that's in a lot of the stories we read," Wilson noted. "Art gives them a chance to see it in action."

Wilson's method aligns with district goals focused on literacy and access. She collaborates closely with homeroom lessons to ensure coherence between subjects.

"There are models of art education that focus on literacy innovation," she stated. "Our School Improvement Plan and district goals emphasize increasing literacy, and incorporating books into art projects feels like a natural way to do that."

For more information on literacy learning modules: ​​www.madison.k12.wi.us/curriculum-instruction/literacy/family-resources