Reading/Listening Comprehension

Strategy: Talking Drawings

Appropriate Grade Level: K-5th

Procedures/Steps: 1. Teacher selects a content area concept or topic 2. Students create a drawing about selected concept or topic. 3. Students share and discuss their drawing with a partner. 4. Students listen to or read an expository text. 5. Students create another drawing based on instruction or modify original drawing and label/describe illustration with text. 6. Students share second drawing with a partner and compare/contrast with original drawing. Examples of Pre and Post Learning Drawings

Comments and/or tips:  Teachers gain perspective on prior knowledge by looking at drawing  More motivating than a writing assignment  Ideal for differentiating instruction and giving struggling readers success  Facilitates listening comprehension  Scaffolds reading comprehension  Increases vocabulary acquisition  Make sure artist shares drawing versus listener drawing their own conclusions

Source: Fello, S.E., Jalongo, M.R., & Paquette, K.R., (2007). The talking drawing strategy: Using primary children’s illustrations and oral language to improve comprehension of expository text. Early Childhood Education Journal, 35(1), 65-73.