Building Knowledge, Building Community
- Kaila Piepkow
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
The Power of Art in Literacy
In our last article, we explored how art can play a critical role in literacy development, particularly when it comes to building the background knowledge that students need to become strong readers. This month, we had the opportunity to see that principle in action during our work with the second graders at Bach Elementary in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As part of our Artistry of Literacy curriculum, we led students through the Around the Neighborhood project, which blended visual arts with knowledge building concepts from the Science of Reading to strengthen their understanding of community, history, and storytelling.
Connecting Art and Black History
We intentionally scheduled this project during February, aligning with Black History Month. Teachers at Bach Elementary were already deep into discussions about famous figures and key moments in Black History, and this project provided a dynamic way to expand students’ knowledge of Harlem and the Great Migration while integrating it into their broader learning. We spent time discussing artworks by Harlem-based artists, focusing specifically on Jacob Lawrence and how he captured the everyday moments of his community. Building on this, students sketched scenes from their own neighborhoods, then created collages that depicted a specific moment in their local environment.
This cross-curricular approach provided students with an opportunity to make personal connections to history. They weren’t just reading about communities—they were actively constructing their own, both visually and conceptually.
Process Over Product: Learning in Action
Throughout the project, students engaged in artwork discussions and were asked to check in and reflect on their past knowledge, then applying that knowledge to their own creations. Their collages became a space for personal expression, weaving together elements of their own lives while also being inspired by the historical details they had studied.
The teacher's feedback was that this process resulted in authentic applications of knowledge—a sign that the learning was truly sinking in. Students weren’t simply recalling facts; they were using what they learned to create something meaningful. This kind of knowledge transfer is exactly what the Science of Reading emphasizes: deep engagement with content leads to stronger comprehension.
Problem-Solving Through Art
One of the most rewarding moments came when we encouraged students to reflect on both the joys and challenges of their creative process.
By Willa & Ainsley
This reflection process is critical. It not only builds resilience but also reinforces the idea that problem-solving is a fundamental part of both art-making and learning.
A Hallway of Perspectives
The final artworks were displayed in the hallway, creating a visual tapestry of unique perspectives and shared themes. Each student’s work was distinct, yet together, they told a powerful story about the diverse and interconnected nature of communities.
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