Learning with Lado is an educational platform rooted in the belief that education is a practice of freedom—one that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding to help students reflect on their place in the world and work toward a brighter, more just future.
This platform blends literature and visual art into engaging, culturally responsive resources, empowering educators and students to explore stories, artistic expression, and diverse perspectives in meaningful ways.
Teaching is an art, and Learning with Lado embraces this truth by offering Artful Learning—an approach that blends the power of literature and visual art to spark curiosity and nurture critical thinking.
Designed for elementary and middle school ELA and art educators, these resources help bring culturally relevant and creative practices into classrooms.
Meet the Educator & Artist Behind Learning with Lado
Meet the Educator & Artist Behind Learning with Lado
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Rooted in the pioneering works of Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings and Dr. Geneva Gay, culturally responsive teaching forms the cornerstone of Artful Learning. This pillar uplifts diverse voices to foster empathy, cultural awareness, and belonging.
By engaging with diverse writers and artists, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of global storytelling while also seeing their own identities, histories, and lived experiences reflected in literature.
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Creative expression is not just an outlet—it is a vital force for understanding, connection, and change. This pillar is dedicated to empowering students to use writing and art-making as tools to express their identities, navigate challenges, and reimagine the world around them.
Art has the power to turn reflection into action, helping students process complex themes, amplify their voices, and engage with history, literature, and culture in deeply personal ways.
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Anchored in the transformative philosophies of Paulo Freire and bell hooks, this pillar empowers students to question, analyze, and think critically about the world around them. Freire rejected the "banking model" of education, advocating instead for a problem-posing approach that encourages inquiry, reflection, and dialogue.
Similarly, hooks saw education as a practice of freedom, where the classroom becomes a space for self-awareness, critical thinking, and liberation rather than mere knowledge transfer. Through literature, art, and discussion, learners are motivated to challenge dominant narratives, engage in dialogue, and envision change.
Featured Resource
Featured Resource
This free, 18-page printable resource is part of the Artful Learning Series by Learning with Lado. It provides an introduction to the Mirrors & Windows concept, including its origins, practical classroom applications, and Ms. Lado’s own personal examples. The resource also includes 15 beautifully designed posters featuring original illustrations and age-appropriate explanations for students ranging from early elementary to middle school.
