Visualizing

I introduced visualizing as a comprehension strategy in reading last week. We spent some time with the book Mouse Mess, creating mental images to help us understand the story better. When students create sensory/mental images while reading, they are more likely to remember what they read later. We will add this strategy under the C for Comprehension on our CAFE board. 

On Fun Friday, students made mental images of other kinds of messes the mouse might make, aside from those messes he made in the story. Students created "Mouse Mess" collages, as collage was the technique used in the story's illustrations. Students had the choice of working alone, in partnerships, or in small groups. They could also choose who to work with, if they did not want to work alone. I was absolutely AMAZED at everyone's hard work and creativity. I saw excellent team work as students shared ideas and complimented others' work. Students will have more time this week to finish their collages. I will display their finished work both on the blog and in the hallway or classroom soon!