The Intersection of Art and Language Learning: Supporting Students and English Learners through Art Class
How Art Class Can Boost Reading Skills for Students and English Learners
Art class isn’t just about painting and drawing; it can be a fantastic way to help students, especially English learners (ELs), improve their reading and language skills. Let’s dive into how art education can support various aspects of language learning and reading comprehension.
The Joy of Reading
Reading is like unlocking a treasure chest of stories, information, and knowledge. It’s all about understanding and enjoying what we read. In art class, students get to explore and create, which helps them practice the same skills needed for reading, like understanding, thinking critically, and making connections. Whether they’re interpreting a painting or a poem, they’re learning to find meaning in what they see and read.
Growing Your Vocabulary with Art
Learning new words can sometimes feel like a puzzle, and art can be a big help. When students learn about different word parts, like prefixes and suffixes (that’s morphology!), and use context to figure out what words mean, they build their vocabulary. Art projects provide lots of chances to describe and talk about what they see and create. This helps them practice using new words in a fun and meaningful way.
Fun Ways to Learn Sounds
Phonemic awareness—knowing the sounds that make up words—is super important for reading. There are some great, evidence-based ways to teach these sounds to English learners:
Clear Teaching: Showing students exactly how to make and recognize sounds.
Multisensory Learning: Using sights, sounds, and movements to teach.
Interactive Games: Playing games that focus on sounds and words.
In art class, these methods can be part of the fun. Students might play rhyming games or match sounds while working on their art projects, making learning playful and effective.
Using Home Language to Learn Phonics
An English learner’s home language is a great tool for learning English phonics. When students understand how sounds work in their first language, they can use that knowledge to learn English sounds. Art class can incorporate students’ home languages by allowing them to describe their artwork in both languages, helping them connect sounds and words across languages.
The Recipe for Good Reading
Good reading comprehension involves a mix of skills: understanding language, thinking deeply, and correcting mistakes. Art class can help develop these skills by encouraging students to describe, analyze, and reflect on their art. This practice builds the higher-order thinking skills that are essential for good reading.
Making Reading Easier for Everyone
Evidence-based best practices can make a big difference for English learners, including those with reading difficulties or dyslexia. Techniques like using visual aids, providing clear instructions, and engaging in interactive activities can help improve comprehension. In art class, these practices can be naturally integrated, making reading and language learning a part of creative and enjoyable experiences.
By blending art and language learning, we can create a supportive and enriching environment that helps all students, especially English learners, develop strong reading skills. Art class is not just about making beautiful things; it’s about making connections, growing vocabulary, and enjoying the process of learning.
