Kamishibai

Multisensory Storytelling for Arts-Based Literature and Language Education

Abstract

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 evaluate kamishibai as a tool for reading engagement based on the experiences. They 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 data consists of 139 answers and it was analysed with mainly quantitative methods. 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.