Goal Specific	Lesson 2: Readings (2)	-

The Visual Imagery Strategy

abstracted from
Schumaker, J. B., Deshler, D. D., Zemitzsch, A., & Warner, M. M. (1993).
The visual imagery strategy. Lawrence, KS: The University of Kansas.

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The Visual Imagery Strategy has been designed to help students effectively deal with complex reading demands. The Visual Imagery Strategy requires students to make pictures in their minds as they read each sentence in a passage. It has been designed to be used by students to improve their understanding and recall of specific facts and sequences.

Step 1: Search for picture words.
(1) Explain how many sentences to read.
(2) Explain how to read for meaning and to use other strategies.
(3) Define "picture words." Words that you can turn into pictures in your mind.
(4) Conduct practice finding picture words.

Step 2: Create or change the scene.
(1) Define "scene." A scene is a backdrop for everything that happens.
(2) Explain how to create a scene.
(3) Explain how to make use of pictures in the book.
(4) Conduct practice creating scenes.
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Step 3: Enter lots of "details."
(1) Define "details." The details are the smallest parts of the pictures you are creating.
(2) Explain how to "enter lots of details." Means that you add to the scene in your mind.
(3) Conduct practice on how to "enter lots of details."

Step 4: Name the parts.
(1) Define "name the parts." Means that you describe the scene and the action to yourself in words.
(2) Explain what to name. Describe: the scene that you see (example: a meadow); two parts of the scene; what is happening in the scene; three details that you have imagined that relate to the picture words and what is happening.
(3) Discuss examples of "naming the parts.
(4) Discuss the requirements for good image statements.

• Must be a complete statement that includes a subject and a verb.
• Must be accurate.
• Must have new information in it.
• Must make sense.

Step 5: Evaluate your picture.
(1) Define "evaluate."
(2) Explain how to "evaluate your picture." Means that you check whether you have included everything in your mental picture that you need.

Mnemonic: SCENE

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