Artifactual Literacies: How does every object tell a story?

Sure. An object can be a vessel of stories. A simple key, for example, might seem ordinary, but it could be the key to an old attic full of forgotten memories. The scratches on it might be from years of use. It can tell a story of the place it unlocks, the people who have held it, and the things that have been locked away.

It means that every single object, whether it's a simple trinket or a large piece of furniture, has a history or a narrative associated with it. For example, an old family heirloom like a pocket watch might have been passed down through generations. Each scratch or dent on it could tell a story of how it was used, maybe it was dropped during a significant event in the family's past. It could also be about the person who first owned it, what they were like, and how they came to possess the watch.

By observing it closely. Look at the wear and tear, any marks or inscriptions. For example, if you find a coin with a scratch on it, that scratch might have a story, like it was used in a game long ago.

A pair of old running shoes can tell a story too. The wear and tear on the soles might show how far and often the owner ran. Maybe they were used to train for a marathon, and the marks on the shoes are evidence of the long hours of practice. A piece of jewelry can also be very telling. If it has an inscription, it might be a gift from someone special, and the story of that relationship is embedded in the piece.

Each letter has its own unique shape and sound, and when combined in words, they form narratives that convey meaning and emotion.

You need to focus on the unique features of the object and build a narrative around them. It's like giving the object a personality and a purpose in the story.

Every picture in art history tells a story mainly by the artist's intention. The artist has a message or a narrative in mind when creating the piece. They might use symbols to tell the story. For instance, a dove often symbolizes peace in art. The composition also plays a role. If the main figure is in the center and looking out, it might be telling a story of leadership or dominance. The background details can add to the story as well, like a landscape that shows the setting of the story the artist wants to convey.

Graphic novels can expand literacies in several ways. Firstly, they are visually appealing, which can attract reluctant readers. The combination of images and text helps in better understanding complex ideas. For example, in a historical graphic novel, the pictures can show the setting and costumes of the era more vividly than just text. Secondly, they often use different literary devices like dialogue, narration, and symbolism, just like traditional novels. This exposure to various writing techniques enhances literary skills.

Sure. An old family heirloom like a pocket watch might tell the story of a hard - working ancestor who passed it down through generations. A tattered book could tell the story of all the different people who read it, with their notes in the margins. And a worn - out pair of shoes might tell the story of a traveler's adventures.

Once upon a time, there was a little wooden doll that was about 4 inches tall. It was a handmade creation, with carefully painted features and a tiny, embroidered dress. It sat on a shelf in a little girl's room, and every day she would come and talk to it, imagining all sorts of adventures they could have together.