Literacy and the Creative Process
Cindy Bewick, Education Services Manager, Tri-County Head Start, Paw Paw, Michigan
Right now, you would have to be living in a terribly remote region of the world not to have heard about the recent emphasis on family literacy. Satellites, cable television, computer networks, and other media are spreading the word on the importance of children and parents being involved in literacy. Head Start programs read daily to children, organize classroom writing centers, and make sure that all parents have received and use library cards. Yet most efforts have concentrated on perspectives related primarily to reading and writing. But the creative process can also construct important literacy bridges.Early childhood educators have frequently seen the relationship between literacy and the arts, and how drawing, singing, and dancing all contribute to children's understanding and representation of their world. Observing the children in her classroom, one teacher saw that a variety of methods were used by them as they built literacy frameworks and communicated with representational symbols.
Educators are strongly encouraged to utilize a variety of mediums and activities to enhance literacy development. Paintings, drawings, and even sculptures convey as children physically represent abstract concepts.
Literacy should not be confined to the writing center and the library but extended throughout the classroom. Writing materials must be present in all learning centers so that children can create signage for materials;"correspond" with classmates, staff, and families; or keep journal records of significant events.
Creative dramatics and movement also offer limitless opportunities for children to recreate, and to represent, activities using graphic art materials. For instance, one teacher constructed props for a re-enactment of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. Hollow blocks were placed to form a stage and chairs were arranged for the audience. Admission tickets were made by the children and collected by the ticket takers before each performance. There were several performing companies so that all interested children could participate. The play was continued by the children for almost three weeks. What a creative manner to display literacy in action!
Field trips and resource people also provided creative literacy opportunities. For example, after one center bus driver showed the children how she pre-checked her bus, the children were driven to the local car wash where they helped wash it down. Many of the children later wrote and illustrated this adventure.
Parents and educators alike recognize the importance of reading to young children and providing appropriate role models. Yet we need to avoid limiting ourselves and children to traditional approaches.By extending our creative horizons, we can assist children in making a link between early literacy experiences and future development.