Artistry of Literacy integrates art across subjects to boost literacy, creativity, and critical thinking.
Artistry of Literacy
The Artistry of Literacy program transforms education by integrating visual arts with the Science of Reading, using art as a powerful tool to deepen literacy learning across schools in SE MI. Designed for 1st–5th grade, our curriculum enriches literacy-rich subjects by fostering vocabulary development, communication skills, and creative problem-solving through hands-on artistic exploration.
We emphasize the artistic process over the final product, encouraging students to experiment, adapt, and express their unique perspectives. Each project offers creative freedom, ensuring that every piece of art reflects the student’s individuality and understanding. Through engaging visual art experiences, students strengthen their visual literacy—the ability to interpret and communicate ideas through images—while also developing speaking and listening skills through group discussions,
reflections, and presentations.
This program
Fosters Visual Literacy & Critical Thinking
Students analyze artwork, engage in discussions, and create meaningful projects that foster problem-solving and creative expression.
Supports Collaborative Teaching Models
When available, art teachers and classroom teachers work together—art teachers pre-teach artistic skills while classroom teachers build background knowledge. This partnership deepens student understanding and ensures their final projects reflect meaningful connections across disciplines.
Flexible Program Delivery In SE Michigan
Schools can bring in Doodles Academy instructors or train their educators through our “Teacher Studios” with hands-on mentorship and adaptable materials.
Sample Projects
Designing the Zodiac
In this project, first graders dive into the world of stars, tying directly into their science curriculum on the sun, moon, and stars. Students explore constellations from a variety of cultures and learn how different societies have interpreted the night sky. Inspired by these stories, they create their own original constellation and write an accompanying origin story, blending creative writing with cultural exploration and science.
Me and My Monster
In this imaginative poetry project, fourth graders combine visual art with creative writing to express their inner world. Students begin by writing a poem about a fictional “monster helper”—a creature that represents an aspect of themselves or supports them in some way. They then draw a self-portrait and use their poem to create a piece of visual poetry, rearranging the lines around or within their artwork. This project encourages self-reflection, celebrates individuality, and strengthens poetry and visual literacy skills.
Around the Neighborhood
Second graders explore themes of community and identity by looking at the work of artist Jacob Lawrence. They study his vivid paintings of Harlem and, for older students, learn about the Great Migration and its impact on Black communities. After reflecting on their own neighborhoods, students sketch familiar places and people, then bring their vision to life through a colorful, layered collage. This project connects to Black History Month and secondgrade social studies themes of community and belonging.
Stories Come to Life
Transform your school with an artful learning approach that fosters creativity, literacy, and critical thinking. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or supporter of the arts, join us in shaping a brighter, more creative future for students everywhere.
