LITERACY, ART AND TECHNOLOGY

Literacy, Art and Technology is a multi-component program that integrates reading, visual arts, group discussion, and podcasting. 

The program structure:

• Students read culturally relevant stories together

• Teaching artists facilitate group discussions about the text

• Students create visual art projects related to the readings

• Students produce podcast recordings sharing their insights and personal connections to the material while improving reading comprehension

The program uses three core texts:

• "Love and Monsters in Sophia's Life" by Belinda Hernández Arriaga and Veronica Castillo Salas

• "A Different Pond" by Bao Phi and Thi Bui

• "¡Sí! Somos latinos" by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy

Key aspects:

• Creates safe spaces for students to share their personal stories and feelings in relation to the reading material 

• Focuses on student engagement rather than assessment

• Students improve reading skills organically through interest-driven participation

• Teaching artists tailor the environment to meet students' specific needs

• Emphasizes cultural relevance and personal connection to materials

Impact

• According to teacher feedback, students have shown increased engagement with reading through this integrated approach. 

• The program has been particularly successful because students are learning without explicitly realizing they're developing literacy skills.

Teacher Reflections: 

"Audacity Arts is seen as a break by the students and is usually a bright spot of the day where students can take more risks." 

-Santee Elementary School, Theatre, 5th Grade

"Students are more than willing to engage in activities that involve arts..." 

- Bridges Academy, Literacy, Art and Technology, 7th-8th Grades