To some, reading and art don't necessarily relate. But alas, I'm here to tell you different!
Example A:
7th and 8th grade "Illuminated Text"
Way before the printing press (think late antiquity to the Renaissance) books were only for the wealthy. During this time, they were elaborately illustrated, often with gold leafing, by a special person, the illuminator. It was very much considered an art form. The students brainstormed theme ideas for their illuminated text and practiced drawing letters. After four rough drafts, they executed their drawings with color pencil.
Example B:
5th grade "Book Cover Redesign"
The fifth graders had the choice to redesign Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or The Wizard of Oz. Before diving in, we talked about the role of a graphic designer, the function of a book cover, and characteristics of book covers. Students colored their final covers with colored pencils or crayons.
Example C:
"Elementary Illustration"
With K-4, we discussed illustrators and what an illustrator does. After a couple of examples of illustrations, I read to them Eric Carle's
The Tiny Seed. After reading the story, the students illustrated their favorite part. For the display, I pieced together the different parts the students drew to create the full story. It really worked out nicely!
Who says there is no reading in art?
