What is LACES?

LACES is anchored in critical literacy: the ability to analyze, evaluate, and act on information, as a critical member of society. LACES is an enrichment class and gives students opportunities to practice responding to literature through discussion, writing, doing, and making. Often times, students use recycled materials to create an artistic response to a high quality shared text.  We explore significant events and the lives of people who work to improve the world around us.
Enjoy some examples below.

Is love an idea, an action, or both?  After reading and discussing Love is Powerful by Heather Dean Brewer in Literacy Activated Citizenship Enhancing our School (LACES), a second grader told his classmates that, “Love is Powerful Words.”  The goal of LACES is for students to practice analyzing, evaluating, and acting on information in collaboration with others.

After discussing books with classmates, students create artifacts to explain and share their learning. Recycled materials are some of our favorite supplies.  We are always in need of empty cereal boxes and paper towel rolls.  If you want to donate these items, please bring them to AFIA! We would put your donations to excellent use.

A first grader reread Ho’Hani Hula Warrior Written by Heather Gale to find important vocabulary words to add to her artifact.  Many of our students love rereading the books we share in LACES.  You can look for the book title on your students’ artifacts.  All of our books are available at the public library.

Sharing artifacts and their meaning with classmates is a part of every LACES session.  Students are always excited to present and hear from others.  Ask your student to explain what they made and why.  You will likely be impressed by your child’s depth of understanding and creativity.

 

Academy for Integrated Arts is a PK – 6th arts integrated, public charter school. We believe children more deeply when they engage in the arts as part of the core curriculum. To learn more about our school, please visit: https://afiakc.org/.