Visual Literacy Through Pics and Power Points

1. Introduce vocabulary words for the upcoming week and establish a base understanding using kinesthetic and tactile activities found within the existing program.
2. Students work in groups of four to determine what visual representation or scene to photograph to demonstrate knowledge of the vocabulary. Groups change weekly.
3. Students “photograph” vocabulary, upload pictures, and create a powerpoint of the words. Each slide includes the word, and a compound sentence presented visually and auditory.
4. Power Points will be copied and delivered to all fourth and fifth grade classrooms for use the following week. Each morning, students will greet the day with a Vocabulary DVD shown on the wide-screen television.

Students will realize that rich vocabulary has a place in their everyday community, not just in the outside world with which they are unfamiliar. Students will gain visual literacy, which is the ability to interpret and make meaning from information presented in the form of an image. Visual literacy is based on the idea that pictures can be “read” and that meaning can be communicated through a process of reading. Addressing this component of literacy through an already successful vocabulary program gives students the base necessary for meeting grade level expectations in language arts. Incorporating technology instruction within language arts produces engaging lessons and meaningful learning.