Writing and illustration are powerful teaching tools. They allow young children to explore different genres, such as personal narratives and fiction, procedural texts (how-tos), informational texts, and poetry.
Through drawing and talking, children give us important information about their classroom writing experiences from their perspectives. The representations they make of the practices, processes, and relationships involved in learning to write highlight the relational, material, and spatial elements of writing.
Imagery
Imagery is a literary device that uses descriptive language to engage readers’ senses of sight, taste, smell, touch, and sound. It also appeals to internal emotions and feelings.
Using imagery is a writing skill that can improve children’s comprehension of stories and novels. Through writing and illustration method, it helps children develop their imagination and analogical thinking skills.
Visual imagery is the most common kind of imagery, and it involves a writer’s use of words to conjure up a mental image for a reader. Skillful writers can also use sensory images that engage readers’ other senses.
Another type of imagery is organic imagery, which creates a specific feeling or emotion within the reader. This type of imagery can be challenging to master and requires a good understanding of how to make the reader feel the emotions you want them to feel.
Symbolism
Symbols are an important part of children’s development. They represent concrete objects and emotions in various ways, including imagery, words, or play.
The ability to use symbols develops from physical (actions, sounds, and gestures) to mental abilities (thinking about something that’s not seen or heard). This process of development is known as symbolic thought.
Symbolism is an essential element of literature and other forms of storytelling. It helps to deepen a story’s meaning, make it more memorable, and help readers make associations.
Storytelling
Storytelling can be a powerful teaching tool that engages children in learning and helps them to develop the ability to interpret their own experiences and those of others. It also teaches them about values and virtues they should carry throughout their lives.
It can also be a good way to teach kids about social issues they should be aware of as part of their society and culture. In addition, it can help them to learn how to be compassionate and thoughtful.
Aside from being a powerful teaching tool, storytelling is a fun way to spend time with your child and bond with them. It also helps to broaden their horizons and introduce them to new places, cultures, ideas, and creatures.
Communication
Communication is a vital skill for kids to learn. It involves verbal and nonverbal communication, which includes body language, eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions.
When children can communicate their feelings to others, they become more confident. It also helps them to learn empathy and perspective-taking.
Use various teaching tools to facilitate student communication, such as Flipgrid or Google Meet. These apps allow students to post videos and share them with their teachers and classmates.
Give clear, concise instructions that are easy to understand and follow. This can help students to keep their attention and respond appropriately.
Incorporate communication skills into lessons and activities to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and improve academic performance. These skills will last a lifetime and can positively impact every aspect of a child’s life.
Thinking aloud
“Thinking aloud” is a strategy to help students understand the processes of reading. It involves the teacher talking to the student about the problem. Then, the student thinks aloud about the solution. After the student has finished thinking, the teacher pauses and explains how the student solved the problem.
This strategy may also be helpful for early adolescent writers. However, additional research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
There are a variety of ways to use this strategy. Teachers can explain their strategies, provide assessments, and even take risks. When teachers do these things, they are building a community of learners.
As with other classroom activities, teachers use thinking aloud to model comprehension, along with reading aloud. Students can learn how to identify misconceptions, clarify ideas, and overcome comprehension problems. They can also practice the strategies they are using.
While there are some limitations, think-aloud is useful for teaching students how to read. In addition, the strategy can enhance students’ vocabulary.
HI Christy, you have included some interesting ideas and information here. Thank you.
Hi Robbie, teaching and learning is a big part of life, so glad to be a small part of it xx
I love teaching communication strategies and self expression through music :-)
That’s beautiful :)
Absolutely loved this blog post! As an advocate for learning and incentivizing children to read and write, I’ve found all of these teaching techniques useful in working with my children as well as creating fun incentives and tools for children’s learning. Children learn differently, but I do believe that all children can enjoy learning through interaction. So, I appreciate how all of the learning tools you’ve mentioned have an element that involves involving the young learner in his or her education.
You’re quite right that every child is unique, so their learning needs differ. Great points, Jana, and thanks for advocating for kids!