Creative and Performing Arts - Literacy

Literacy in the arts

Literacy is far more than being able to read and write. Because meaning is the core of literacy, it is the ability to decode and encode in any of the forms through which meaning is conveyed, according to Eisner. What cannot be conveyed in words is often possible in the visual, auditory, choreographic, or the literary.... (National Art Education Association, VA)

Literacy is about understanding the meaning of human codes. Meaning can be conveyed through words, signs or symbols.

In the arts, these codes can be written, aural or visual. Literacy in the arts is evident in the way students use the English language to talk, read and write about their own and other artists' and musicians' works. Literacy in the arts is also evident when students use and understand symbols, images, movement, sound and artistic conventions.

Student literacy can be developed both in and through the arts by:

• focused reading and writing activities that address specific skills identified in English outcomes e.g. grammar, spelling, comprehension.
• the use of appropriate text scaffolds, such as narrative, response, review and procedure to develop skills in talking, listening, reading and writing.
• focusing on arts content and pedagogy that enhances literacy learning, including integrated practices of making and appreciating, experiential learning, specific texts such as artist statements, citations, journal.
• focusing on literacies particular to the arts: visual literacy, aural literacy, kinaesthetic literacy, critical literacy, social and cultural literacies.