Students often enjoy the chance to apply their artistic skills to other subjects.
The ability to accurately depict a literary piece in your mind while using imagination to fill in the blanks is an important part of reading comprehension. If students cannot visualize a story, then it is likely that they do not have a firm understanding of the content. One of the best ways to help with comprehension is to use art, one of the most visual subjects.
Instructions
1. Give each student a blank piece of paper and some drawing supplies, such as pencil crayons or markers.
2. Assign the group a scene or event from the current reading material. Read it out loud to them and give physical copies, if possible.
3. Have students draw the piece as they immediately envision it. This may be literal, featuring characters and elements of the plot, or representational, featuring colors and forms that represent the emotions behind the piece.
4. Have students present their work to each other. They may do so individually at the front of the class or gallery style, by hanging up all of the work at once and walking around the room to observe it.
5. Hold a class discussion on the meaning of the piece and the different imagery it inspired throughout the group. Ask whether or not there is solely one way to look at the piece. This may even spark a debate, depending on the initial subject matter and the group members involved.
