10.1 | Visual Vocabulary

PD in a Page Header

 

Exploring Visual Vocabulary

What is it?  

Marzano (2009) provided a list of methods that targeted methods to provide a deeper understanding of novel vocabulary words to increase both receptive and expressive language skills. One of the most important methods involved having “students construct a picture, pictograph or symbolic representation of the word.” 

— Marzano, R. J. (2009). The art and science of teaching: Six steps to better vocabulary instruction. Educational leadership, 67(1), 83-84.

 

Why?

Multisensory processing can lead to high student growth and achievement through faster processing.

Multisensory Processing

Tactile learning in addition to visual learning can show increased in learning by up to 30% When we move our bodies our brain gets more oxygen.

Learning Jumps by 30%

 

Get those learners drawing for both visual and tactile learning experiences!

Brains Need Connections Video, 12 seconds

 

What Tools can Students Use?

There are a number of ways for students to get started with the apps available on their iPads.

          • Younger learners could use Seesaw, which should already be installed on their iPads.
          • Student iPads already should have Notability installed, which allows students to combine text and drawing, add images, and more.
          • Using the Camera app and opening images in Photos allows students to Edit and Markup images.
          • Pages, Numbers and Keynote are apps available in the UA App Kiosk that offer drawing, charting, and even animation tools.
          • Also available in the UA App Kiosk is the Tayasui Sketches School app, which is a special edition of the app targeted for a younger audience, with a specifically designed interface making it very accessible to kids.

Animation & Drawing Apps

Younger Learners or those just starting to build a Visual Vocabulary

Choose an activity that fits the level appropriate for your students. Here are some ideas to consider —

Make Your Own Emoji

In Seesaw, Sketches School or Notability, have your students draw an emoji that shows how they are feeling. Share the emojis with the class.

Emoji Example ImageEmoji Example ImageEmoji Example ImageEmoji Example Image

Everyday Objects

Have students take photos of everyday objects, then use the Markup features in the Photos app to bring their photos to life.

Personalize Photo 1   Personalize Photo 2   Personalize Photo 3   Personalize Photo 4

This activity is described in the free Everyone Can Create Photo Links to an external site. ebook from Apple Education.

 

Vocabulary Snapshots

Assign each student a word and ask them to create a snapshot image that represents the word.

Come up with an image that connects the word, its meaning, and the backstory. Not easy! But perhaps outside-the-box enough to capture some interest. Then let everyone share their snapshot designs.

Vocabulary Snapshot – Resilience  
Vocabulary Snapshot – Fast

 

Word Designs

Draw a word in the shape of its meaning.

Word Designs 1Word Designs 3.jpgWord Designs 2.jpg

 

 

Going Further with Visual Vocabulary Activities

Here are a few ways you can help students continue to build their confidence and expand their Visual Vocabulary skills.

Intermediate Spotlight Example:

      1. Have students read the following article:
        https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/whos-at-the-top-of-the-food-chain Links to an external site.
      2. Differentiate and assign a vocabulary term from the article to each student.
      3. Have the students create a visual mnemonic of the vocabulary term and share with a partner.

Here are some examples provided by Tremont 5th Grade teacher, Moxy Decker:

An example from MH Decker

 

Drawing Pictures to Represent Things & Actions

Ask students to practice drawing examples that represent nouns and verbs.

      Nouns & Verbs 1

Then have them combine them into sentences.

Nouns & Verbs 2

 

Getting Started with Sketchnotes

Sketchnotes are a good way for students to combine their notes, drawings, photos and more to sharpen concentration, express creativity, and create deeper understanding. Many people are hesitant, though, thinking that 'they can't draw.' You can help them overcome this perception by guiding them through a series of very basic exercises to 'loosen them up.'

Start with Simple Shapes

Have students create a new note in Notability, and use the drawing tools to draw these simple shapes – Circle, Square, Triangle, Line and Blob. 

Start with Simple Shapes

When you need more precision, Notability will automatically convert your sketched item into a shape if you hold at the end of your stroke (don't lift up) until the shape appears.

You can then tap the shape and change it's appearance with the Style option in the pop-up menu.

 

Practice Drawing Stick Figures

Everyone can draw a stick figure. Show your students how they can add more life to these figures in simple ways. Remember, people have joints in their arms and legs! Have them experiment!

Practice Drawing Stick Figures

 

Use Notability's Zoom Writing Mode for More Control

You don't need an expensive stylus to take good sketchnotes on an iPad. The Zoom Writing Mode in Notability allows greater precision, and keeps your wrist from touching the iPad screen and interfering with your writing or drawing.

Zoom Writing Mode in Notability

When you have a drawing tool selected, tap the Magnifier/Plus Sign icon at the lower right of the screen. This opens the Zoom Writing panel at the bottom of the display, and shows a white rectangle above that on the page.

Whatever you write or draw in the panel at the bottom is added to the page within the small white box above. 

Drag the middle of the white box to add text to another part of the page. (If you drag the lower right corner, you will resize that box and make the next items you draw larger or smaller.)

For a video and more detailed instructions, see 7.1.6 | The Magic of Zoom Writing Mode! (this link will open in a new window).

 

Sketchnote Practice Exercises

Kristin Bugnitz, Media Specialist at Tremont, shares this Get Ready to Sketchnote Toolkit Download Get Ready to Sketchnote Toolkit PDF document for students to explore. You might share the PDF with your students, and suggest they Import it into a New Note in Notability, where they will be able to practice the techniques.

Get Ready to Sketchnote Toolkit

 

Examples of High School Sketchnotes

This brief video shows examples of one high-school student's sketchnotes, taken in Notability using an inexpensive Fiber Mesh stylus.

Notes for all of her classes were organized and in one place. She imported presentations shared by her teachers and took notes directly on the slides during class. Teachers also shared PDF worksheets and assignments, which were completed in Notability and then submitted. Upon reflection, she felt that this process helped her improve her focus and understanding, and she did better in school.

Student Sketchnote Examples Video, 1:05 minutes

 

Please reach out to your Media Specialist for more information and assistance with planning and presenting activities in your classroom!

 

Sketchnote Resources

 

Other Resources