Abstract
This capstone project examines how picturebooks can support the acquisition of language skills in the very young learner. English language learners are those most at risk if they do not embrace the English language early in their academic career. Using pictures and illustrations can benefit a student’s literacy skills and promote reading and encourage creativity. Throughout this project I researched picturebooks that contained high-quality illustrative narratives that can be used successfully in the art room and Pre-K classroom. I also investigated numerous websites promoting the use of picturebooks and art to foster literacy skills.compiled these resources on an online Pinterest board at www.pinterest.com/arteachertalks/childrens-picturebooks-worth-looking-at
Using a collaborative participatory action research approach, I examined how my collaboration with a classroom teacher facilitated our students’ meaning- making, creativity and visual thinking skills through various activities using picturebooks. The research conducted in this capstone project included documenting young children interacting with picturebooks in both the art room and classroom, facilitated by their Pre-K and kindergarten teacher. I created an online blog journal, chronicling our picturewalks, discussions and art activities with our pre-k and kindergarten students. My blog, C.R.E.A.T.e can be found on my website at www.elaineweeks.weebly.com (The blog is password protected for school security purposes).
My capstone paper describes my research process, findings, and recommendations. First I discuss the motivation behind this project, an essential need to be able to communicate with my youngest students, the Pre-K and kindergarten students coming to school for the first time. Then, in my literature review I describe the power behind the picturebooks. As part of this project, I also explored ways to provide young children with opportunities to interact with text and illustrations in picturebooks and the development of children’s emerging literacy skills as they created their own art and verbalized the meaning behind their own illustrations. My recommendations include using picturebooks, like those referenced on my Pinterest board, to entice young children to read and interact with text. I also recommend incorporating the art and illustrations in picturebooks into the classroom and art room curriculums as an effective tool to stimulate and promote children’s creativity. I conclude this capstone paper with final insights on the efficacy of picturebooks in the development of young learners.