Visual Vocabulary Toolbox
Channel: kbundschu
Date: 17/10/2013

A video presentation about the educational tool called Visual Vocabulary.  I learned about this technique during a professional learning session, and have enjoyed it's implementation in class.

Please view a transcript below:

Today's tool box is about a technique called Visual Vocabulary.  This is a 3 step technique that begins with students drawing, and ends with a small quiz.  

I use this technique in my high school classes with the units from the Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop books, and have found that the technique works best when on block schedule as it gives students the chance to complete the activity without being rushed and still have time for other things.  I don't see any reason you can't use this technique for new vocabulary words with students as young as at least fourth grade, maybe earlier.  

Materials needed:

·         Sticky notes

·         Numbered list of vocabulary words

·         A number picking system 

·         Printer paper with one vocabulary word per page

·         A copier

·         A few days

To begin, you need a list of vocabulary words for the week and sticky notes.  What I usually do is assign students a number (count off from one side of the room to the other) that correlate to the numbers in my book or on my list to make it easy.  You can also print and laminate number cards to randomly assign them as they come in, or be able to give specific students specific numbers.  I usually try to have at least 2 people per class working on the same word, and the more classes the better.

On the sticky note, have the students draw a visual representation of their word.  Some words make this easy, some more difficult.  If it is not an idea that is easy to draw, I've had students draw a mnemonic device.  

When they are done, have the students put their sticky notes on the sheet of paper.  As more students finish that word, more notes will be added to the page.  An alternative for younger students is to assign each student more than one word.

The next day, after all classes have put up submissions.  Students carousel around the different words, and put a check mark next to the sticky note that best exemplifies that word.

At the end of the day, take the sticky notes with the most checks, and use a photo copier to create a matching quiz using their generated images.  I usually use this as a low point formative quiz grade.  Not only does this help the visual students get a picture into their minds, it gives the creative drawers an outlet for their talents.  

Thank you for watching!