Physicalizing Visual Text

Here's is a great arts integration strategy suitable for use with Discussions4Learning and Vocabularte. If you are looking to include some differentiation strategies and/or incorporate the arts further into your work, this technique from Theatre Arts can help further develop Arts Integration into your classroom and student experience!

Physicalizing Visual Text: A Creative Arts Inquiry Strategy for Quality Academic Discussion

Developed by Jessa Moreno, Jeannie Kohl LCI, OUSD, 2/28/14

Task: Utilizing Visual Thinking Strategies and Kinesthetic/Oral Response to Prompt Academic Discussion 

Step One: Read Photographic and/or Artistic Imagery, Select Character (Human or Non-Human) Perspective to Explore.

Step Two: As individual (whole class) or in small groups, Physically Embody Character. 
Utilize the body's whole range of motion..and take a risk!

• Introductory Level: Represent literal interpretation physically.
• Intermediate Level: Develop symbolic interpretation of visual text.
• Advanced Level: Develop 3 or more frames that show a progression of experience and interpretation of text. 

Step Three: Perform for Whole Group: Share Out Physically Embodied Still Poses and Frames.

Step Four: Gallery Walk with Inquiry: Unpack What We See/Hear

Whose perspectives do you see or hear represented?

Step Five: Second Read of Imagery with new information:

How has embodiment of the photographs/artworks shifted the evidence or personal perspective? Respond both as observers and participants.

Optional Expansion of Arts Inquiry:

Oral Vocabulary Repetition/Written Text Inclusion:

Once students have set their embodied image frames, have them speak vocabulary, repetition sentences, and/or other text of importance to their characters. Advanced students may select this text based on individual interpretation, or develop own text utilizing key vocabulary terms.

Potential Outcome:
Utilize this strategy as a starting point for building evidence leading to Argumentative Writing prompt.

Please share the outcomes of your engaged, experiential learning practice!