Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador

Project Name: Literacy Expressions – Burin Peninsula Laubach Literacy Council

Project Start/End Dates: November 2010

Initial Project Description: Literacy Expressions is a program developed by the Burin Peninsula Laubach Literacy Council. The project will be delivered in two sessions: one session for the public and the other for the students of the ABE Level I program. Participants will be given a short excerpt from a story to read, based on the literacy level of participants. After reading the excerpt, each participant, with the assistance of a local artist, will be asked to express in paint what they have interpreted in the reading. After the painting is completed the participants will write a short paragraph explaining what they have read and how it pertains to their painting. It is the goal of this program that each participant will:

  • Enhance their reading skills
  • Complete a painting
  • Enhance their writing skills
  • Express themselves through the medium of art

Project Outcomes: The program was delivered in two sessions: one session for the public and the other for the students of the ABE Level I program. Participant were thrilled to complete a unique painting using their own interpretation. Participants taking part in ‘Literacy Expressions’ reading and writing skills, along with developing an artistic form of expressing themselves. Certificates were provided to each participant.

Participants also completed a write up on the session telling how much they enjoyed the painting session and their new way of expressing themselves through art. Treana Hynes wrote “I painted a picture of a winter scene. It was of beautiful trees on a nice wintery day. It brought me much joy to see what I have accomplished. I never thought I could do such a thing, but I surprised myself.”

Developed and hosted by NALD in collaboration with Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills.