Response to VTS by Rob Kinzenbaw

What speaks to you?

The use of VTS to stimulate discussion and practice equitable student sharing.  I immediately thought that this type of exercise would be greatly suited for my EL students, or ones that are struggling in reading and writing.  The implementation of VTS looks like a great way to stimulate thought and draw out comprehension skills in regards to literacy.  "Reading" art work and comprehending what we see seems similar to what we do as readers.  "What do you see?" is like asking a student to share with what they think or feel about a character.  Most important was also the discussion about supporting thinking with evidence, this is a big one and ties in with the core.

Secondly, in the interview with Phillip Yenawine I was very happy yo hear how he argued that young students can participate in VTS and pre-K are doing just that.  I get upset when I hear educators state that something might be "too high" for certain age groups.  I argue that is just the thing to challenge them with, and as a a teacher my job to support them in learning to succeed at a higher level.  Case in point, I do not "dumb" down math language and I teach it as it is to be presented and model it regularly.

Does it give you any ideas?

My idea is using VTS in how I launch a new read aloud and also teach students to select best fit books.  When we preview a text there are many strategies that I use to help select the book (read jacket, online reviews, peer reviews, book website, author interviews, and movie trailer if there is one - to name a few).  We also look at the book cover and artwork within.  My plan is to simply ask the VTS questions as we do so.  For example, when we read "Wonder" I will now ask "What do you see?" in regards to the cover and the book sections (character perspectives) that include illustrations.

How do you integrate art into your current curriculum?

As many other posted, I am more likely a "Arts Enhancement" person and I need to become an "Arts Integration" teacher.  I am teaching a new grade level, so I need to collaborate with our building art teacher and see how I can augment or alter lessons.

Other reactions?

I think that I hit on a few of them above, but comprehension, opportunities for EL students, and another tool for me to use (VTS) are my main takeaways.