Abstract :
In this paper I reflect on claims that artefacts, as
alternatives to texts, can provide an effective
means of access to learning. With reference to
the work of Walter Benjamin, I analyse the role
the “aura” of a ritual object played in engaging a
group of Year 6 students, all of whom experienced
various degrees of delayed literacy.
Drawing on Levi-Strauss’ essay “On the
Effectiveness of Symbols”, I consider how far a
unit of work involving aspects of a ritual against
slander allowed the students to develop their
understanding of how perfomative language
might function.
