Story Creators

The Challenge: Inspire elementary and middle school students, many of whom are English language learners, to tell and illustrate their very own stories … and discover a love for reading and writing in the process.

Collaborators: H*Art Gallery and Executive Director Ellen Heavilon, St. Andrews Center Board, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s English Department Internship and ThinkAchieve Programs, Visual Artists Ashley Folkner and Carrie Pendergrass, Orchard Knob Elementary, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, East Lake Elementary School, East Side Elementary, Clifton Hills Elementary, East Lake Community Center, Flashlight Shows, Lillian L. Colby Foundation, Read 20, Front Porch Alliance

The Results: We designed and implemented a unique, custom curriculum that met Tennessee teaching standards through exploration of diverse reading and learning materials reflecting the cultures and interests of our students. Over four years, we served more than 100 children at six schools and one community center, helping them discover the power of their personal stories while gaining confidence in their English reading and writing skills. “The Dragon and the Ice Castle” storybook linked below shows how one group of third graders worked together to explore complex topics all too familiar in their community.