Minds On
What do you picture?
What pictures does this passage create in your mind? Record your ideas using a method of your choice.
- If possible, share your ideas with a partner. How are your pictures similar? How are they different?
Action
Task 1: Creating mental pictures
You just practiced visualizing!
As we read, we can create mental images of a text and clarify details of a character, scene, or idea. This helps us make sense of the things that we read and more actively engage with a text.
Let’s return to the passage from the Minds On section. Which words caught your attention? Were they any of the words that are bolded in the following passage?
It has finally stopped raining and the sun is starting to peak through the remaining clouds. The raindrops on the petals of flowers sparkle in the light. The puddles on the sidewalks reflect the sky as it changes colour from a cool grey to a calming blue. It is turning out to be a beautiful day.
- finally stopped raining
- the sun is starting to peak through
- the raindrops on the petals of flowers sparkle in the light
- puddles reflect
- calming blue
Were your mental pictures from the Minds On section similar to or different from the images in the following slideshow?
A person staring outside of a rainy window. It connects to the text, “It has finally stopped raining.”
Sun coming out through a long windowpane. This image is connected to the text, “the sun is starting to peak through.”
Waterdrops on a flower to go with the text, “the raindrops on the petals of flowers sparkle in the light.”
A puddle of water on wet pavement go with the text, “puddles reflect.”
Blue sky with clouds and sunbeams to go with the text, “calming blue.”
When the text includes illustrative or descriptive words or phrases it is easier to visualize and understand. When we visualize or create mental pictures, we can develop deeper connections to a text.
Task 2: Finding important words
This time underline, highlight, or use a method of your choice to record all of the descriptive words and phrases that help you visualize the text. You can also create or describe images of those words or phrases.
If you would prefer, you can access an audio version of the passage.
“Text Passage”
It was a sunny and warm day. I glanced out the window and my heart skipped a beat. I was so excited to go and play outside during recess. I could not wait to feel the sun on my skin and the wind blowing past me as I ran into the grassy field. The lunch bell rang, and I dashed out of my seat and out the back doors of the building. I wanted to be the first on the soccer field. The grass was getting long, and it was getting harder and harder to kick the ball. I practiced kicking the ball into the net while I waited for my friends to come outside and play. This was going to be a very exciting recess.
Consolidation
Time to visualize
Select a short passage from a text of your choice. Then, create a list of the descriptive words or phrases that helped you to visualize the text, and as a result, develop a deeper understanding of the text.
Use the Visualizing Template below to record your ideas or another method of your choice.
Think about your learning
Use the following questions to reflect on your learning.
- How does visualizing help you to understand the texts that you read?
- How does visualizing influence your reading experience?
Record your responses using a method of your choice.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next 4 sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.