Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryArt and Literature Connection - Early Elementary



Art and Literature Connection - Early Elementary

Author: Kristy Porter

Planning Unit: Pike County CES

Major Program: Quality Arts Engagement & Experiences

Plan of Work: Pike County Arts Advancement

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The problem

Our County Extension Council asked that, as a county, we offer programs targeted to young children. Studies have shown that intertwining literature with visual and expressive arts helps children improve their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

The educational program response

The Pike County Extension Community Arts program partnered with a local elementary school to introduce Art and Literature Connection, a program aimed at increasing reading comprehension, excitement about learning, and critical thinking in young children. We wanted to get kids excited about reading and learning while using art is a vehicle to amplify the learning process. In the program, we work with teachers to select a story to read to the children (or have the students read) in class, then design an art activity that reinforces the theme or lesson contained in the story. For example, in our first class we read The Dot by Peter Reynolds. Afterward, students were allowed to paint their own masterpieces, whether a simple dot or something more complex. While painting, we discussed the book and how the characters might feel and why. We also talked about how we might react in similar situations.

The participants/target audience

The target audience for this program was early elementary school children, ages 5-7, in their classrooms at a local elementary school.

Other partners (if applicable)

We used the county library to select age appropriate books.

Program impact or participant response.

After six months, teachers reported that 100% of students were excited about program days and more interested in reading time when they knew there would be an art component accompanying it. They also reported that 100% of students were more easily able to recall events of the story and talk about those events with deeper understanding. With the initial success of the pilot program, we hope to offer programming to other schools within the county.






Stories by Kristy Porter


Pike County Flood Relief Efforts

about 8 days ago by Kristy Porter

Describe the Issue or Situation.Catastrophic flooding devastated many homes and businesses across Pi... Read More


Myers Towers Art Classes

about 2 months ago by Kristy Porter

Describe the Issue or Situation.Myers Towers is a 200 unit, 11 story high-rise subsidized housing co... Read More


Stories by Pike County CES


Poultry Club

about 4 days ago by Emily Chaney

Pike County has always prided itself on our participation at the State Fair. For many years, we have... Read More


Pike County Flood Relief Efforts

about 8 days ago by Kristy Porter

Describe the Issue or Situation.Catastrophic flooding devastated many homes and businesses across Pi... Read More