Emphasizing ekphrasis: Linking visual arts and language arts curriculum standards through museum pre and post-visit activities for upper elementary school students

Viewing and writing about works of art---ekphrasis ---affords students the opportunity to simultaneously develop and improve analytic and creative writing skills. Museum education departments can join visual arts and language arts literacy objectives and aide classroom teachers in meeting state mandated standards through pre and post-visit activities.; This thesis explores the connection between art and writing, and its role in the upper elementary classroom, specifically grades four through six. The educational reforms that led to the development of state curriculum standards are examined as well as the publications Excellence and Equity (1992) and Excellence in Practice (2002) which have served to strengthen the credibility of museum education programs. Both Constructivist learning theory and Visual Thinking Strategies are considered as methods for developing effective interdisciplinary curricula. Finally, seven model lesson plans from museums across the country, which utilize these theories and techniques, are examined in detail.