VTS in the Classroom

There are many benefits of implementing VTS in the classroom. The process of VTS encourages skills that can be utilized in a variety of academic and authentic disciplines. Anytime that metacognitive practices can be integrated into instruction, students gain a deeper understanding of the content. I conduct a lot of number talks in math that require students to look closely, think deeply and communicate their thinking with peers. Students observe, analyze, justify, and debate much like several of the VTS activities I read about. Intermittent VTS activities would pair well with the number talks to show how the skills are used in different areas.

websites
http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/visual-thinking-strategies-improved-comprehension
This site discusses how VTS can improve reading comprehension. VTS is used to activate and build background knowledge. The VTS method is described in a simple and user friendly format.

https://www.mathlearningcenter.org/new/blog/reframing-art
This site offers information on how VTS can be connected to math education based on standards.

I also thought of math number talks when first learning about VTS. It is a very similar strategy. They replace the images with math equations or problems. Students still use their reasoning skills to find what you are asking. We also use numberless word problems to help teach the different situations to really understand word problems.

Thanks for you post.  This past year, math talks were a big push and I hadn't once thought of connecting my math talks with art.  Honestly, it happens when you draw pictures, but this was a nice piece to just let it all fall in place.  

Our district uses Math Habits of Mind and one step is always to illustrate or draw a representation.  I love this because it does make a huge difference to a lot of students to conceptually see what they are doing/need to do.  

When looking at VTS for the first time I so thought how it is such a wonderful Strategies for students to use in math when looking into the concepts and how they can communicate their proof.

My district has just started emphasizing math talks.  I did not make the connection between VTS and math talks until I read your post.  I have noticed that by demonstrating numbers and problems in different formats like pictures, my students are more engaged and invested in our lessons.