MaxLiteracy is a programme developed by Engage and the National Association of Writers in Education (NAWE) to enable galleries, art museums and visual arts venues to support a dedicated programme of creative writing and literacy work with schools. The programme is funded by the Max Reinhardt Charitable Trust.
Thanks to the galleries, writers and schools that have already collaborated with us, MaxLiteracy is building a bank of creative literacy resources free for anyone to use.
While devised by specific projects, they all include diverse activities which can be adapted to any setting.
On the Move
Key Stage 1 and 2
A short film demonstrates ways of raising literacy skills and confidence for year 5 pupils and their families, with the help of a well-known writer/poet, a flamenco musician and a prestigious painting.
Making Conversations
Key Stage 1 and 2
Activity cards with a maritime theme for younger pupils and supplementary teachers’ notes. These encourage storytelling and creative writing for younger pupils or those for whom English is an additional language.
It’s Raining Words
Key Stage 3
Word play and guided writing techniques that are both challenging and playful, for educators interested in using contemporary art to inspire literacy.
A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words
Key Stage 3
Activities to support a class project around a single artwork. Starting with fun descriptions of classmates and descriptive poems using the five senses, a series of workshops build up students’ confidence so they can script a play.
Image to Text
Key Stages 3 & 4
A whiteboard-ready presentation using an historical painting to model a series of activities that help students make personal and creative connections with an artwork.
This event is open to the public.