The LAB school project: a socio-ecological investigation into the intersection between literacy, the arts and wellbeing in a rural early years classroom setting

Abstract This study examined the piloting of a literacy, arts and wellbeing (LAB) project in a rural school in Queensland, Australia. The research involved a Year 1 class ( n = 24) participating in co-designed lessons with their classroom teacher and two visiting researchers from a regional university. These lessons were developed with literacy learning outcomes, arts-based approaches and positive education components in mind. Lesson observations and artefacts were collected to understand the children’s participation and development of the learning objectives. In addition, teacher interviews and researcher reflections provided feedback about the approach’s effectiveness. Data were analysed using an arts-based social engagement model to improve health. Evidence from this case study showed that language and literacy learning outcomes and wellbeing were strongly developed through the LAB approaches. More research is needed to know if a whole school LAB approach would benefit children across other settings.