Art Forms Literacy

Whether you're looking to bring a story to life or find fresh ways to engage reluctant readers and writers, these resources are a great place to start. No specialist arts background needed — just a willingness to try something a little different.

The literacy-focused courses and activities on ARTS:LIVE use the arts as a doorway into reading, writing, speaking and listening. You'll find activities that use drama to explore characters in a class novel, visual art to respond to picture books, music to inspire creative writing, and storytelling through dance and movement.

For children, this kind of learning builds confidence with language in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. It encourages them to find their own voice, experiment with ideas, and communicate with greater fluency and imagination — whether through words, images, or performance.

We've previewed all the courses and activities on ARTS:LIVE so you can take a look at what's on offer. Get exploring today and register for free to unlock the creative possibilities waiting in every story!

  • 6 x 60 Minutes

    Yarning on Wiilmen Boodjar and Traditional Doll Making 3-4

    Years 1-6
    Discover the art of yarning, eco-dyeing and traditional dollmaking with Noongar artists Marcelle Riley and Yolande Yarran-Ward, who share how textiles and storytelling connect people to Country and community. Across six curriculum-aligned lessons, students experiment with natural plant dyes, create their own story dolls and gather in yarning circles to share ideas and listen to one another. Through these experiences, they build empathy, deepen their sense of belonging and develop skills in visual arts and respectful communication.
  • 6 x 60 Minutes

    Together We Sing on Noongar Boodja 5-6

    Years 3-8, Secondary
    Explore the power of music and song with First Nations artists Charley Caruso, Della Rae Morrison and Merinda Hansen, who share what it means to sing in First Nations languages and how music connects communities. Through six curriculum-aligned lessons, students play collaborative music games, record sounds from their environment and compose and perform their own seasonal poems inspired by the Noongar six seasons. Along the way, they build music skills and deepen their understanding of First Nations culture and Country.
  • 3 x 60 Minutes

    Welcome to Whadjuk Country 3-4

    Years 1-6
    Begin with a warm welcome to Whadjuk Country as traditional custodian Olman Walley shares a traditional Noongar song and introduces the Deadly Arts collection. Through three curriculum-aligned lessons, you and your students connect with Country through visual art experiences and collaborate to create a welcome sign that acknowledges the First Nations languages and people of your community. This resource helps build curiosity and respect for the land, culture and people where you are located.
  • 7 x 60 minute lessons

    Woonyoomboo - The Night Heron

    Years 1-8, Secondary
    Discover Woonyoomboo - the Night Heron, an important Creation story from the Nyikina community of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It follows the journey of their creation ancestor Woonyoomboo, a "mapping man" who created and named their Country and left the walangarri (songline) that teach people about the places and plants, sacred sites, caring for Country and the lore. Created by senior cultural custodians and community members in collaboration with the SharingStories Foundation, this course aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of First Nations cultures and histories through a range of Arts, English and Humanities activities.
  • 6 x 60 Minutes

    Together We Sing on Noongar Boodja F-2

    3-5 Year Olds, Years 1-4
    Explore the power of music and song with First Nations artists Charley Caruso, Della Rae Morrison and Merinda Hansen, who share what it means to sing in First Nations languages and how music connects communities. Through six curriculum-aligned lessons, students play collaborative music games, record sounds from their environment and compose and perform their own seasonal poems inspired by the Noongar six seasons. Along the way, they build music skills and deepen their understanding of First Nations culture and Country.
  • 6 x 60 Minutes

    Yarning on Wiilmen Boodjar and Traditional Doll Making F-2

    3-5 Year Olds, Years 1-4
    Discover the art of yarning, eco-dyeing and traditional dollmaking with Noongar artists Marcelle Riley and Yolande Yarran-Ward, who share how textiles and storytelling connect people to Country and community. Across six curriculum-aligned lessons, students experiment with natural plant dyes, create their own story dolls and gather in yarning circles to share ideas and listen to one another. Through these experiences, they build empathy, deepen their sense of belonging and develop skills in visual arts and respectful communication.
  • 6 x 60 Minutes

    Artists in our Community 5-6

    Years 3-8, Secondary
    Discover the work of multidisciplinary artist Tyrown Waigana and explore how First Nations culture and the Noongar six seasons can inspire visual art-making in your classroom. Through six curriculum-aligned lesson plans, students think like artists as they reflect, experiment with materials and processes, and express their ideas using nature as their guide. You will also find culturally responsive teaching tips and community insights to help you engage meaningfully with First Nations perspectives in your arts program.
  • 6 x 60 Minutes

    Artists in our Community 3-4

    Years 1-6
    Discover the work of multidisciplinary artist Tyrown Waigana and explore how First Nations culture and the Noongar six seasons can inspire visual art-making in your classroom. Through six curriculum-aligned lesson plans, students think like artists as they reflect, experiment with materials and processes, and express their ideas using nature as their guide. You will also find culturally responsive teaching tips and community insights to help you engage meaningfully with First Nations perspectives in your arts program.
  • 3 x 60 Minutes

    Welcome to Whadjuk Country 5-6

    Years 3-8, Secondary
    Begin with a warm welcome to Whadjuk Country as traditional custodian Olman Walley shares a traditional Noongar song and introduces the Deadly Arts collection. Through three curriculum-aligned lessons, you and your students connect with Country through visual art experiences and collaborate to create a welcome sign that acknowledges the First Nations languages and people of your community. This resource helps build curiosity and respect for the land, culture and people where you are located.
  • 6 x 60 Minutes

    Together We Sing on Noongar Boodja 3-4

    Years 1-6
    Explore the power of music and song with First Nations artists Charley Caruso, Della Rae Morrison and Merinda Hansen, who share what it means to sing in First Nations languages and how music connects communities. Through six curriculum-aligned lessons, students play collaborative music games, record sounds from their environment and compose and perform their own seasonal poems inspired by the Noongar six seasons. Along the way, they build music skills and deepen their understanding of First Nations culture and Country.
  • 6 x 60 Minutes

    Artists in our Community F-2

    3-5 Year Olds, Years 1-4
    Discover the work of multidisciplinary artist Tyrown Waigana and explore how First Nations culture and the Noongar six seasons can inspire visual art-making in your classroom. Through six curriculum-aligned lesson plans, students think like artists as they reflect, experiment with materials and processes, and express their ideas using nature as their guide. You will also find culturally responsive teaching tips and community insights to help you engage meaningfully with First Nations perspectives in your arts program.
  • 6 x 60 Minutes

    Yarning on Wiilmen Boodjar and Traditional Doll Making 5-6

    Years 3-8, Secondary
    Discover the art of yarning, eco-dyeing and traditional dollmaking with Noongar artists Marcelle Riley and Yolande Yarran-Ward, who share how textiles and storytelling connect people to Country and community. Across six curriculum-aligned lessons, students experiment with natural plant dyes, create their own story dolls and gather in yarning circles to share ideas and listen to one another. Through these experiences, they build empathy, deepen their sense of belonging and develop skills in visual arts and respectful communication.