VTS and Arts Integration

VTS are very useful in language learning programs. I have taught in a dual language program in which we used concept attainment as a strategy to introduce new topics and concepts and to elicit discussion. Students viewed a variety of objects and were challenged with the task of figuring out the attributes of a group or category. There are no wrong answers which lower the affective filter for language learners. VTS also show students the power of perspective and how we can all learn from each other.

Visual Thinking Strategies give me ideas about teaching students to detect patterns and pay attention to detail which are essential skills for successful readers. I could use VTS to train students to look closely at pictures and words. VTS are also great for discussions and debates.

The information presented really made clear the difference between enhancement and integration. I think most teachers use enhancement because they don't understand how to integrate the arts into the curriculum. I plan to talk with the art and music teachers about the skills they are currently teaching and collaborate to integrate those skills into the classroom curriculum. It stuck out to me that the students need to have been taught the skill already for it to be successfully integrated.