ABSTRACT
Visual texts make an important contribution to our lives. Images, on paper and on screen, inform, direct, amuse, entertain and help us relax or pass the time. Not only is it clear that multimodal texts form part of the everyday experience of both teachers and children, the renewed PNS (DfES, 2006a) also now recognises reading and writing on paper and on screen. In terms of paper-based texts, words are now almost always accompanied by photographs, diagrams or drawings and print is often enhanced by a variety of font sizes and shapes. For children, particularly, there is a wealth of complex and challenging picture books as well as detailed information books where the images carry as much meaning as the words. These developments have been made possible by the use of digital technology, which has enhanced production and colour processes. But equally, digital technology has had an immense impact on screen texts: computer games, the Internet, television and film. A wide range of multimodal texts exist, including drama, and this chapter explores teaching with such texts creatively. It considers examples of reading and composing multimodal screen texts and demonstrates the importance of teachers making use of the eight elements of creative literacy practice.
