Promoting and Supporting Early Literacy Through the Arts (PASELA) is a unique program designed to develop learning and language skills in young children by integrating the arts into the educational curriculum. PASELA, which started in January 2006, is already making a significant difference in children and the educational process.

Northampton Community College Director of Early Childhood Education Becky Gorton, who oversees PASELA, says that the program is important for three primary reasons: the arts are a natural language that children use, nurturing kids’ natural creative process ensures that the process will remain a part of the way they operate in the world and the arts bring an important aesthetic quality to one’s life.

As part of the PASELA program, artists rotate every 10 weeks to introduce a variety of visual, musical and performing art forms to the classroom. Since the program’s inception, the Banana Factory has played an important role in providing visual arts education for both educators and the children. In addition, Banana Factory photographer Ryan Hulvat and painters Bill Christine and Angie Snyder have taught in the schools, while the art center hosts training sessions for educators in Art as a Way of Learning and has featured an exhibition showcasing the children’s artwork for parents and the community to enjoy.

 

This program is made possible by the support of ArtsQuest members.
To learn more & become a member, click here.

 

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