Elementary Art Classes Support Role of Storytelling in Visual Arts

Mrs. Patricia Jacobs has been teaching Art to the OMPH School Kindergarten through Grade 5 students for fourteen years. “I have always been interested in the role of storytelling in visual arts,” shared Mrs. Jacobs. Storytelling plays a critical part in supporting emotional engagement, as well as cultural engagement, through communication. Everyone can relate to art that tells a story, and narrative art is a wonderful way of engaging children and adults on the impact of artwork.

In her art lessons, Mrs. Jacobs often uses picture books as a source of inspiration for the children. “I have an appreciation for beautiful illustrations, but I love the descriptive language that is often used,” explained Mrs. Jacobs. She often starts class with a read-aloud, or the classroom teacher will show a read aloud on the Smart Board. The students often want to read aloud to the younger students, a practice that is strongly supported by Mrs. Jacobs.

Students are also learning about authors and illustrators, and they can be prompted to identify and describe the illustrator of a book during the read-aloud session. Readers point out clues on the cover, and how the illustrations convey styles and process. It helps the children understand the illustrator’s role and connects the visual elements to the story.

A treasured painting by Paul Klee was the basis for a whimsical story about a cat and a bird, and about the themes of friendship and freedom. The story, which was read to students in 2nd Grade, used colored illustrations based on the artist Paul Klee’s work and his use of bright colors, shapes and lines. The students in Grade 2 then reproduced Klee’s artwork.

Maurice Sendak is a children’s book illustrator and author. His most famous work, Where the Wild Things Are, was Mrs. Jacobs’ inspiration for art projects on texture. “The Grade 3 and Grade 5 art is what shines for me when they used various textures to draw their monsters,” she stated. Mrs. Jacobs also teaches art using Edward the Emu, through art activities with the Kindergarten through Grade 5 classes. She suggests using children’s picture books to teach children about narrative art and illustrators. “I ask, ‘What story is this picture telling?’ These artists and illustrators understood what it was like to be a child,” exclaimed Mrs. Jacobs!

25.11.2 Art.pdf

Download PDF • 1.02MB