Visual Thinking Strategy (V.T.S.):

“Visual Thinking Strategies” is an inquiry-based teaching method created by cognitive psychologist Abigail House and museum educator Philip Yenawine.

Visual Literacy: Seeing, Understanding, and Creating Meaning

Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, understand, and create meaning through images, symbols, and visual forms. In today’s world, where students are constantly surrounded by visual media—digital images, videos, infographics, and interactive interfaces—being able to “read” and respond thoughtfully to what they see is an essential skill. Visual literacy goes beyond recognizing shapes or colors; it involves analyzing composition, perspective, symbolism, and context, as well as expressing ideas through one’s own visual creations.

In Elementary Arts Education, teaching visual literacy is crucial because it provides students with the tools to make sense of their world and communicate their understanding. When children engage with visual media critically, they learn to notice patterns, interpret meaning, and connect abstract ideas to real-world experiences. Creating art allows students to translate their thoughts, emotions, and observations into visual form, strengthening both cognitive and emotional development.

Visual literacy also supports learning across disciplines. For example, interpreting diagrams and graphs in science, mapping social studies concepts visually, or creating storyboards in language arts all rely on skills developed through visual literacy. Furthermore, fostering visual literacy nurtures creativity, imagination, and problem-solving, empowering students to become not only consumers of visual culture but also active creators and critical thinkers.

In essence, teaching visual literacy equips students with a language of seeing—a language that helps them understand themselves, their communities, and the wider world, while giving them the confidence to express ideas in compelling, thoughtful, and innovative ways. In our rapidly changing, image-rich society, it is not an optional skill; it is fundamental to education, identity, and participation in the world.

LOOK AT THE ARTWORK BELOW BY:

ZADIE XA

MOON POETICS 4 COURAGEOUS EARTH CRITTERS AND DANGEROUS DAY DREAMERS

Reflection Questions for Visual Literacy in Elementary Arts Education

Observation and Analysis
- What details do you notice first in this image or artwork? Why do you think your eye was drawn there?
- How do the colors, shapes, and lines influence the mood or meaning of the visual piece?
Interpretation
- What story or message do you think the artist is trying to convey?
- How might someone else interpret this image differently?
Connection to Experience
- How does this image relate to your own life, experiences, or feelings?
- Can you find connections between what you see here and something you’ve learned in another subject area?
Creation and Expression
- If you were to create a visual response to this artwork, what symbols, colors, or materials would you use?
- How does making your own art help you express ideas that are difficult to put into words?
Critical Thinking
- What choices did the artist make to communicate meaning, and why do you think they made those choices?
- How can learning to “read” images help you understand media, advertisements, or information you encounter every day?
Growth and Self-Reflection
- How has your ability to notice, interpret, and create visual forms changed over time?
- What new skills or insights do you want to develop as a visually literate thinker and creator?

Consider:

How can teaching visual literacy help students critically interpret and question the images, videos, and interactive media they encounter in digital spaces, including social media and AI-generated content?
In what ways can fostering visual literacy prepare students to create and communicate responsibly using technology, digital tools, and AI platforms?
How does developing students’ visual literacy support their ability to understand the intentions, biases, and ethical implications embedded in media and AI-generated visuals?

Click here Visual Strategy Techniques 2020 (Remai) to find out more viewing strategy questions provided by spectacular educators from Learning and Engagement Art Team at the Remai Modern Art Gallery