VISUAL LITERACY is the ability to interpret, negotiate and make meaning from information presented in the form of an image. Nowadays our little learners are asked to demonstrate this skill prior to reading and in Kindergarten Readiness testing. A wide range of information surrounds young children daily - from computer screens to books, and toys to television. How do the littles gain the skills needed to make sense of all this input? With our help! Let’s ask helpful questions, present a variety of visual stimuli, and take time for observation and reflection. AND, let’s do it with musical activities that promote a developmentally appropriate introduction to visual literacy skills for 2-5 year olds who display a wide range of skills and abilities.
Participants should come ready with a favorite song or book to share. Think about why your selection resonates with children. We'll pick a few to brainstorm how to add visuals or music to enhance learning and differentiate instruction. During the final 30 minutes Miss Carole will share music to start off the new school year with a bang! This will be fun – because learning should be fun for adults and for all children! Oh - and bring a scarf to your screen to move with, too!
Participants will:
1. Be able to define Visual Literacy and its applications in Early Childhood curricula.
2. Be able to identify when adding a visual will enhance learning.
3. Examine a sample song or book and brainstorm how they could add a visual literacy component to it.
4. Have a list of questions to ask about visual stimuli to promote a child's observation and cognitive skills, and increase vocabulary.