What is LBAC?

Literature-Based Art Curriculum (LBAC) is designed to use children's storybooks as a tool to teach the elements of art by taking a close look at how the illustrators use art to tell the story. What mediums are used? What tools are used to create the illustrations? How is the illustration layered to show perspective and depth in the background and foreground? How does the use of color, line, shape, texture, value and space show emotion and movement? The connection between existing illustrations and the student's art project also helps the student retell the story and talk about how the project was created. Examples of fine art are also tied into the lesson. The projects are created over a three day period to demonstrate how art work is layered. The students learn fine motor skills, and patience as well as how to follow directions. After the background, middle ground and foregrounds are complete, I allow the student to embellish the art work any way they want using oil pastels or crayons without limitations. This shows the creativity of the individual student and sets each art piece apart from the others. The work is displayed in the classroom but without showing the names. The students are asked to find their work but in the process they notice their classmate's artwork. They naturally notice the similarities and the differences as they scan the room. They often compliment each other and retell the story.