Art, Books, and Creativity highlights the natural connections between the visual arts and language arts. ABC introduces students to works of art and basic art vocabulary and concepts, and it leads students through the process of creating an artist's book. The curriculum culminates with a classroom exhibition and critique of the students' artworks. The curriculum consists of 14 lessons, most with two parts. Lessons require approximately one hour per week of classroom time and combine visual arts and writing activities. Students using the ABC curriculum will:
- Learn art vocabulary and concepts;
- Observe, discuss, and interpret works of art;
- Apply new knowledge of art terms and concepts in discussions of works
of art; - Create works of art, including portraits, landscapes, narrative and abstract art, sculpture, and artists' books;
- Write in a variety of styles and for various purposes, including reflective, expressive, descriptive, and quick writing;
- Make connections between the tools and processes used by artists and writers; and
- Produce a work of art that builds on and synthesizes what they have learned.
ABC is designed for use by fourth-grade teachers, regardless of their level of training in the arts. The curriculum's concepts, goals, and activities can be adapted by classroom teachers, art teachers, and specialists for use in other grade levels and learning situations.



