In previous blog posts, we discussed learning a foreign language, science, math, and history through art.
But what about learning literature through art?
Given that literature is generally considered part of the arts, this seems a natural connection. Literature doesn’t require students to learn theories or memorize facts.
And there’s a great deal of freedom to explore.
The biggest problem is teenagers have become accustomed to a world that moves at a lightning-fast speed. Technology has trained their minds to flit from one image to the next without a need for carry-over or connection.
This makes it very difficult for many of them to think in terms of context – which is necessary for understanding and studying literature.
This Is Where Learning Literature through Art Helps
It’s very important for students to see the whole of any subject. This is especially true in literature.
For example, a student may come away from studying literature from the Civil War era with a deep knowledge of slavery and the gross injustice of it.
But in studying a work of literature from that time, it’s equally important that they understand the very different cultural traditions, economies, and populations of the North and the South. Otherwise, they will miss the bigger picture.
To understand the storyline and what motivates characters, the student must be able to see the whole. Yet, trudging through the entirety of a book can feel like torture for students whose minds haven’t been trained to make connections.
To fully embrace a piece of literature, it helps if the student is able to develop an awareness of images, structure, and setting. And this is where arts integration steps in.
Arts Integration Offers New Twists and Turns
Educators who specialize in arts integration have an implicit understanding of how to appeal to those who are more creatively inclined.
It takes some ingenuity and, of course, a few art supplies.
For example, a teacher who is tackling a section on European literature may ignite students’ interest by giving them an interactive notebook to use specifically for this occasion.
Then as they move through different readings, the students might be encouraged to write poetry, create collages and even analyze artwork from the European era they’re studying.
If the area of study is American literature, there’s an opportunity to memorize great speeches given by Abraham Lincoln or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that the students can perform in full costume from the time.
A reading of The Great Gatsby will pack more punch when students can fully empathize with the rebellious spirit of the 
1920s in America. But how does an educator bring something to life that happened a hundred years ago?
In this case, the teacher may introduce them to jazz. After all, it wasn’t just a style of music, but more of a sub-culture that carried just as much importance to the literary world of the 1920s as the musical world at that time.
All of these methods bring literature to life – enabling students to fully absorb the images, colors, and sounds from this time. And this is what makes it interesting.
Remove the Boredom
Most arts integration educators will tell you that it’s not that hard to get students engaged. But instructing them to sit down, read a book and answer meaningless questions that have no bearing on their lives just doesn’t cut it.
There’s really no reason that a room full of teenagers can’t get excited about learning literature. It’s all about the right approach though.
Making it an empathetic experience keeps them much more focused and engaged.
Sometimes it’s simply a matter of posing a provocative question, then giving them space to engage in deep conversations and critical thinking about word choices and symbols.
Then ask them to explore their answers further using pens, paints, and markers and see where they take it. Some students will choose to express their answer as a visual – whether that’s a painting or a performance. Others might write a poem or a rap song.
The key is for them to grasp that language can be just as creative as any other art form. Then from there, anything goes.
Bridging Arts and Academics
It can be difficult to see that arts and academics are not opposites. Especially since traditional educational models have created this illusion.
But learning literature through art makes perfect sense.
Literature is the perfect example of just how closely related academics and art really are. In the hands of a gifted writer, it can teach the whole scope of the human condition – simply through words.
Don’t just take our word for it. Come and see it in action.
To experience the sheer effectiveness of learning academics through art, take a tour of our arts-integrated high school. And see for yourself just how connected arts and academics really are.