Grade 3-5 Year 1, Lesson 1

VTS uses discussions of art to build language and thinking skills, as well as visual literacy. These discussions are initiated by questions intentionally phrased to provoke a variety of thoughtful responses. Students are asked to focus, search, reflect, and find evidence to support opinions—the basis for thinking critically. You respond supportively by listening closely, paraphrasing each comment, pointing to what is observed, and linking ideas.

To prepare, memorize the three basic questions. Study the pictures so that you can pinpoint observations and paraphrase what students say easily.

Introduce Visual Thinking Strategies

Ask students what they think Visual Thinking Strategies might mean.

Project the first image

Ask students to examine the image silently for a few moments

Ask Questions: (Please use as given)

To begin, ask What’s going on in this picture?
When students infer something from what they see, ask
What do you see that makes you say that?
Throughout discussion, ask What more can you find?

Respond to all student comments

Point precisely to what students observe.
Be warm and attentive as you listen.
Treat all comments equally.
Paraphrase each comment.
Try linking related comments.

Conclude

Compliment students on their ideas and participation. Preview the slides for the next lesson

Think about VTS: Click Here
Why these questions? Why paraphrase? Why point? Why link?

Think about VTS impact: Click Here
What did I observe happening with my students?