From Words to Works of Art
“Students have been enjoying the storytime aspect of class. They love to chime in with great observations as I read. When it comes to making art, they all seem to really love creating and are so focused during that time. Hands-on activities are always a source of joy for them.”
— CAW Teaching Artist and children’s book author Maham Khwaja
CAW Teaching Artist Maham Khwaja reads I Like Myself to a first-grade class at PS 153
“What do you like about yourself?”
It’s the question at the heart of the picture book I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont. CAW Teaching Artist Maham Khwaja asked that question after reading this picture book about self-acceptance to a classroom of first-grade students at PS 153 in Manhattan. Some students responded that they are kind to animals, good at sports, or have a nice smile. When one student struggled for an answer, Maham observed that she is always helpful in class. Next, students began drawing their own self-portraits in pencil. They will finish them with watercolors during their next class.
Creative Art Works has returned to PS 153 with the integrated Mixed Media Arts & Literacy program, in which students respond to classic children's literature by creating art projects inspired by either the theme of the book, the style of art in the illustrations, or both.
Images are just another form of language
A first-grader student draws a self portrait inspired by “I Like Myself” by Karen Beaumont
CAW Program Manager/Teaching and Learning Riki Sabel says, “Art and literacy are inextricably linked. Images are just another form of language. Before young readers begin to learn letters and words, they are taking in information through their ears, eyes and fingertips, and communicating what they see or feel. This is powerful a pre-literacy skill.” As young learners progress, responding to picture books helps develop reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. For English language learners, picture books transcend language barriers, fostering stronger connections to vocabulary while deepening comprehension through creative exploration.
After reading My Map Book by Sara Fanelli, students created maps of places and things that were personally important to them, such as a map of their face, their bedroom, or a pet. For Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, students will be creating nocturnal cityscapes using tempera paint.
Maham says, “I always look forward to this project, because I feel like the students’ creativity really shines when they are making collages.”
In her own words
In addition to inspiring students in her classroom, Maham is now inspiring readers far and wide through the recent publication of her book The Home We Make, which is beautifully illustrated by Daby Zainab Faidhi. Maham is currently working on a lesson plan based on her book which will be introduced to her class in the coming months.
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring authors of children’s books, Maham said, “Write earnestly and be sure to give your characters agency.”
“For those who have experienced or are experiencing the instability that comes from being separated from their beloved homes, I hope this book provides a sense of comfort and kinship. And for all readers, I hope it imparts a sense of empathy and compassion.”
Maps inspired by My Map Book by Sara Fanelli
“A Map of my Face” from My Map Book by Sara Fanelli
You won’t find the kind of maps you might study in a geography class in My Map Book—author and illustrator Sara Fanelli is more interested in charting the kind of territory that children wonder about, such as what does lunch look like inside your tummy, where your half of the bedroom ends and your sibling’s half begins, or the emotional divisions of your heart. Maham invited her students to draw their own maps, complete with keys to personal symbols.
Nocturnal cityscapes inspired by Tar Beach, written and illustrated by Faith Ringgold
Cassie flies above the George Washington Bridge in “Tar Beach” by Faith Ringgold
Cassie Louise Lightfoot has a dream: to be free to go wherever she wants for the rest of her life. One night in 1939, up on "Tar Beach"—the rooftop of her family's Harlem apartment building—her dream comes true. The stars lift her up, and Cassie flys over the city, claiming everything she sees as her own. After reading this Caldecott-winning book, students will be creating nocturnal cityscapes of their own using tempera paint. (The gallery below contains student paintings from last year.)
CAW notes with great sadness that Faith Ringgold passed away on April 13th, 2024 at the age of 93.
This program was made possible, in part, by the West Harlem Development Corporation, and by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
