Making Language Visible: Early Literacy Through Arts Integration

Integrating Art into Classroom Curricula

5-Week Educator Course

Wednesdays, April 29-May 27, 5-7 pm

In this 15-hour professional development course for PK–2 teachers, educators explore how young children communicate through visual language. Inspired by The Phillips Collection’s special exhibition Miró and the United States (on view March 21 - July 5, 2026), participants learn how lines, shapes, colors, and symbols support early literacy. Through close looking, hands-on artmaking, and model lessons, teachers gain practical strategies for integrating art, movement, and storytelling into literacy instruction. Students benefit by strengthening observation, oral language, vocabulary, and storytelling skills while expressing ideas through both words and images.

Sign-ups are first-come, first-serve, so sign up soon to secure your spot!

This course meets virtually on Zoom on Wednesdays, April 29, May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27, from 5-7 pm EST.

The 15-hour course comprises of:

10 hours of synchronous, instructional workshops on Zoom include: slow looking at works of art, artmaking & other interactive activities, class and small group discussions, and deep dive into literature and pedagogical practices.
5 hours of independent work time include: reading articles, follow-up assignments connected to class content, and continuing to work on art projects started during the class sessions.

This workshop is open to educators who teach all subject areas and grades PK-2.

Participants can elect to receive professional development:
- Washington, DC: 15 PLU
- Virginia: 15 points for Professional Development activities (needs pre-approval from your evaluator/supervisor)
- Maryland: 1 CPD Credit
- Credit for other states is available on a case-by-case basis.
You may choose to take the course not-for-credit.

The Phillips Collection and University of Maryland partner to offer professional development courses for PK-12 educators. The courses provide opportunities to integrate the visual arts seamlessly into the core curriculum, using The Phillips Collection’s Prism.K12 arts integration strategies and resources. Educators will expand their understanding of and skills in arts integration by planning, practicing, and implementing arts-integrated lessons in their classroom. Through online engagement and hands-on practice with students, the courses are delivered through virtual or in-person learning in collaboration with the University of Maryland and The Phillips Collection.

Questions: Email Director of Teaching & Learning Hilary Katz at hkatz@phillipscollection.org