John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The Light Bulb Lab: A Creative Writer's Workshop―Integrating the Fine Arts and Fiction into Second Grade Literacy Curriculum

Ames Library, Illinois Wesleyan University

This self-study was motivated by my passion for reading, writing, and the fine arts. My goal was to incorporate the fine arts into second grade literacy curriculum to encourage students to become more enthusiastic about their writing. I developed and taught lessons designed to encourage students to approach writing with a playful and creative attitude. I prompted student writing through activities inspired by the fine arts. The activities ranged from listening to Beethoven's music to exploring the magical lands of Dr. Seuss. Throughout my study I collected extensive field notes, audio recorded student feedback, and student work. I conclude that the creative writer' s workshop permits one-on-one writing conference time, encourages students with low self-confidence to find pride in their work, celebrates creative and critical thinking, and promotes students' passion for writing.