Abstract: To be able to read the world is one interpretation of the concept literacy, which is relevant in a discussion about the importance of aesthetic approaches to learning. To be able to read the world includes a perspective on character formation where aesthetical and ethical thinking are linked. In this key note the focus is on learning processes where multimodal literacy is developed through work in art forms in order to support cultural learning. I discuss what teaching at an aesthetic level could imply, what an aesthetic doubling is and how aesthetics and ethics are combined in eco pedagogical thinking. Examples from processes where words are made to worlds through work with fictive transformations show that it is possible to read and imagine the world different.

Anna-Lena Østern is professor of arts education at Programme for Teacher Education, Norwegian University of Technology and Science, Trondheim. She is also connected to Faculty of Education, Åbo Akademi University in Finland as visiting professor of Swedish language and literature education. She has initiated several research projects where language and literacy, communication and aesthetic learning processes are focused (Bilingualism and linguistic awareness; Children’s encounter with school; Language and communication in times of tension; The magic machine of language – artistic learning processes in mother tongue and literature.) She is now engaged in a research project called Forms of knowledge in aesthetic practices. She was awarded The Institute for Reading Research Fellowship Award in 1993.
Some of Østern’s  publications (editor and writer): Dramatic Cultures (2004). Nera symposium in Reykjavik 2004; Drama, dramaturgi och kulturell läsfärdighet [Drama, dramaturgy and cultural literacy] (2005) Barnets möte med skolan [Children’s encounter with school] (2007); Svenska med sting! [Swedish with a zing!]