Visualizing
What is visualizing?
Visualizing is a sensory experience. Other reading comprehension strategies are text based strategies and require the reader to solely rely on words being read to make meaning of the text. Visualizing creates non-verbal representations of the text which increases the likelihood that the text will be understood (De Koning, 2013).
The Dual Coding Theory by Paivio says that verbal and nonverbal information is processed in separate but interconnected mental subsystems in the working memory. Verbal representations consist of words for objects and nonverbal representations are composed of sensory images that, to some extent, retain the perceptual features of what is being represented, (De Koning, 2013). Simply put, these two systems work together to make richer meaning of the text.
The Dual Coding Theory by Paivio says that verbal and nonverbal information is processed in separate but interconnected mental subsystems in the working memory. Verbal representations consist of words for objects and nonverbal representations are composed of sensory images that, to some extent, retain the perceptual features of what is being represented, (De Koning, 2013). Simply put, these two systems work together to make richer meaning of the text.
Why is visualizing important?
Research has shown that a central factor in differentiating proficient readers from less proficient readers is the ability to visualize text (De Koning, 2013). Readers who are unable to create mental pictures often experience comprehension problems.
What are some strategies to help readers visualize?
Model the active thought process involved in visualizing a text step by step. Read a section in the story and then afterwards, describe the images you saw in your head. After you have modeled this, read a highly descriptive section of a story. Prior to reading, ask students to close their eyes and focus on the story. As the story is being read, try to create a movie in their mind and remind them to listen for adjectives that will help paint pictures in their mind. After reading, let students share their images, but also assure them that they will each have different images in their mind, (Keene, 2007).
Illustrate. Share a part of the story that is highly descriptive and have students draw what they are visualizing, (Keene, 2007; Diller, 2010).
Engage the Senses. Since visualizing is a sensory experience, there are activities that can be used to engage the senses that will help students visualize the text (McGregor, 2007; Diller 2010).
- Have students listen to an old radio show with a partner. Pause every 5-7 minutes to turn and talk about imaged they have created.
- Soak cotton balls in familiar liquids. Place the cotton balls in small bags. Pass the bags around and have students smell and describe the images they form after smelling them.
- Pass around paper bags with mystery objects in them. Students will reach in and feel the objects, and then describe to a partner what they think the item will look like.
- Give students a theme. Then have them search magazines for images that support that theme.
- Create a timeline using only pictures.