Representing to Learn

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Human beings have used writing to understand the world for a very long time.  Teachers often invite students to use writing as a tool for thinking.  We know that in order for students to remember information they must act on it.  It's not enough for students to read something or hear something, they need to do something with that knowledge to gain a better understanding.


But jotting down words is not the only way for students to construct knowledge. Representing through drawing is a valuable form of thinking and way of engaging.  Artistic strategies, either used alone or combined with words, are powerful tools for thinking and learning.




The knowledge being constructed and represented by students in their visual journals includes:

- classification of leaves by type, arrangement, shape and margin
- the nutrient cycle, the water cycle, photosynthesis
o       - food chains and food webs

In addition to using art as a way to explore and show what they know, students have been increasing their skill with various media, including watercolor pencil, pen and watercolor, and chalk pastel.  






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