Learning through story: A collaborative, multimodal arts approach

Abstract

Literate practice in the arts encompasses both aesthetics and creativity. It is also multimodal in nature and often collaborative. This article presents data collected from a small multi-age school, with children from Prep to Year 7, during their preparation for an end-of-year show. The children had studied the topics of conservation and sustainability through the work of author Graeme Base and in particular his children's book The Sign of the Seahorse (1992). Using a mentoring and collaborative approach the children worked together to present the story through drama, dance and song. This research highlights the importance of expressing knowledge and meaning through multiple modes - not just using language. It demonstrates that creative and collaborative expression can be a powerful tool for learning and understanding story.