Before completing this section, I was unaware of visual thinking strategies. Although I was unaware of VTS, I was actually already using a lot of the components in my classroom. I teach kindergarten and most of the students come in with very low language skills. During the first few months of the school year, I utilize art in all aspects of learning. For example, since most students cannot read yet, we use art sources such as paintings, picture books, and manipulatives to help students master ELA and Math standards. By using these resources, students are able to build their language and math skills, before they even begin to read. As the students progress throughout the year, they are able to use these skills as a foundation to learning how to read and write. When students begin to read and write, they already have a rich vocabulary they are able to utilize. The article linked below discusses how use VTS to enhance students' creativity and thinking skills, while also supporting language arts skills.
https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/visual-thinking-strategies-improved-comprehension
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