Original Illustrations by Ileana Lado
Literature has the power to illuminate, inspire, and challenge.
Learning with Lado draws inspiration from the legacy of literary icons like James Baldwin, bell hooks, and Sandra Cisneros. These influential figures were not only exceptional writers, but also passionate educators who used their craft to challenge conventional thinking and dominant narratives, inspire transformation and imagination, and guide future generations. Their work exemplifies the power of literature and teaching as an art form—one that demands creativity, adaptability, and a critical perspective.
This philosophy is carried forward through our signature Artful Learning approach. By seamlessly blending literature with visual art, we craft immersive learning experiences that promote critical inquiry, inspire creative expression, and deepen cultural understanding. This method ensures that every student forms a genuine and lasting connection with the material.
Developed through years of classroom experience in New York City schools, Artful Learning is rooted in the belief that when literature and visual art are combined, powerful educational experiences are created. A key component of Artful Learning is the use of original, hand-drawn illustrations that bring literary figures and abstract concepts to life. These visuals bridge the gap between text and imagery, reinforcing comprehension while building creative confidence. Our Artful Learning approach is structured around three core pillars, detailed below, that amplify its impact and guide our educational journey.
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Rooted in the pioneering insights of Gloria Ladson-Billings and Geneva Gay, culturally responsive teaching forms the cornerstone of an inclusive educational model. This pillar uplifts diverse voices to foster empathy, cultural awareness, and belonging.
This approach is exemplified by the Mirrors and Windows series, which curates a diverse array of literature that serves dual purposes: providing students with "mirrors" to see their own experiences reflected in the stories, and offering "windows" into cultures and perspectives different from their own. The series will showcase works by authors from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.
By engaging with diverse voices, 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. This not only enriches classroom dialogue but also builds empathy and prepares learners to thrive in a multicultural world.
Creative Expression
Empowering students to use art-making, writing, and project-based opportunities as tools to express their identities, navigate challenges, and transform their communities. By blending creative activities with literature, we cultivate an environment where students can explore their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives in innovative and transformative ways.
The creative expression pillar is dedicated to empowering students to articulate their ideas and emotions through a variety of artistic mediums. By incorporating resources such as the Think Like an Artist guide and a poetry-minded approach, this method encourages learners to view literary works through an artistic lens and to translate their interpretations into original creative projects. For instance, students might engage in art activities directly tied to a novel’s themes or create original poetry in response to a historical text, mirroring the expressive techniques used by bell hooks, James Baldwin, and Sandra Cisneros. This emphasis on creativity not only deepens comprehension of the subject matter but also fosters a vibrant, imaginative spirit that is essential for both personal expression and academic growth.
Critical Inquiry
Rooted in the transformative ideas of Paulo Freire and bell hooks, this pillar encourages students to question, analyze, and think critically about the world. Freire critiqued the traditional banking method of education—where knowledge is simply deposited into students—advocating instead for a problem-posing approach that invites learners to question, reflect, and dialogue.
Through literature, art, and discussion, we empower learners to challenge dominant narratives, engage in dialogue, and envision change. This method cultivates independent, critical thinkers equipped with the skills necessary to navigate and transform an ever-changing world. The Blue Whale's Path, a guided framework for educators, further scaffolds this learning process by ensuring that students engage with concepts at progressively deeper levels, learning to question, reflect, and synthesize their understanding in meaningful ways.
