Finnish children’s perceptive to Kamishibai: a multisensory storytelling method for arts-based literature and language education / Juli-Anna Aerila ... [et al.]

In this study, we investigated Kamishibai as a pedagogical artefact. Kamihisbai is a Japanese art form and it incorporates storytelling, performing, visual arts and theatrical elements creating a multisensory art experience. The study aims to analyse Kamishibai as a tool for reading engagement based on the experiences. Alltogther 139 primary school children participated in Kamishibai-project in their schools or ECE-groups. The data of the study were collected via a questionnaire containing Likert-scale questions, images and an open field. The research was quantitative and statistical methods were used in the analysis. The results showed that there were statistically reliable connections between Kamishibai and performing as well as reading. The results show that kamishibai is a very open and versatile tool for holistic and arts-based literature education and it allows children choose assignments based on their personal interests and skills. Furthermore, the study results show that even those children with reluctance to performing and reading found Kamishibai engaging. This was also the case among multilingual children. The data were collected after two to four week Kamishibai projects and more research is needed on longer lasting projects implementing Kamishibai as an educational artefact. Furthermore, there are other similar arts-based artefacts, which should also be tested and implemented similarly. However, the results of this study are very positive in regard to the implementation of Kamishibai in educational contexts and illustrates the significance of arts-based approaches to language and literature education.