At the Early Childhood Center, a collaboration between art and the library creates wonderful opportunities for students to explore both literature and creativity. Through Connect & Create, Art teacher Carol van Schie Barnes and Librarian Sophie Campbell have developed a project that encourages students to experiment, observe, and express themselves as artists.

 

Books are selected carefully, with special attention given to illustrations that spark curiosity and feel accessible to young learners. Sometimes inspiration comes from a dramatic double-page spread and other times, it emerges from a small detail or technique hidden within the pages. These visual entry points invite students to explore new artistic methods and discover different ways of creating.

 

Carol and Sophie see reading and art-making as deeply connected experiences. “We think the two processes are complementary,” they explain. “When students engage with storytelling through reading and discussion, it’s language-based and often analytical.” Through conversation, students focus on interpreting words and images while sharing their ideas and opinions. In contrast, they share that when they engage with storytelling through art, it’s more open-ended and interpretive.”

 

This creative process allows students to tap into their imagination and produce work that feels personal and meaningful. The collaboration has also encouraged students to “expand their idea of what’s possible,” while making intentional artistic choices and experimenting with new techniques. Books featured in this collaboration include: Safe at Last by Richard Jones, The Happy Owls by Celestino Piatti, and When the Sakura Bloom by Narisa Togo.

 

Together, Connect & Create demonstrates how books and art can inspire deeper learning, meaningful collaboration, and joyful creativity in young learners. Student artwork created through the project can now be seen throughout many spaces in the ECC, celebrating the imagination, curiosity, and creative voices of the children.