Works of art are complex visual objects that invite multiple interpretations. Thinking about and
writing from art is an excellent way to engage students in high-level thinking practices, such as
reasoning, perspective-taking, problem-finding, and making metaphors. These thinking skills cross disciplines.
For many students, visual images are more immediately accessible than text and may provide a valuable link to engaging them more thoughtfully, critically, and creatively during the process of writing. With Artful Writing they are challenged to build their own reasoned interpretations of visual artworks. Students often connect with images on an emotional level. When they are given an opportunity to express their unique views and ideas, there exists a powerful motivation for capturing and expressing ideas through meaningful and articulate writing.
For visual art teachers, thinking and writing about art offers new processes and approaches
to involve students in finding meaningful issues and subjects to express visually. Both art and
literature are about ideas. The parallel creative processes of artists and authors can be used to
support the creative expression of both disciplines. Successful reading strategies parallel the
strategies used by viewers puzzling meanings from a work of visual art. Teaching students to
comprehend more deeply and critique texts, both visual and verbal, is critical to the teaching
of literacy, art, and writing.
What do viewers and readers do to make meaning from images or text? What do artists and authors do to create meaning from images or words? What is literacy and how do you become literate? What is art for?
The Artful Writing Classroom Resource Kit is not a curriculum of set, sequenced lessons. Instead, it is a creative tool for writing and art teachers that provides strategies for helping students explore these related channels of inquiry. Teachers are encouraged to use the learning activities to challenge the writing level of their students and meet their unique curricular needs.
