Visual Thinking Strategies

Activity Instructions

Display an artwork so that everyone can see it, then lead an open-ended conversation about it. Ask:

  • What’s going on in this picture?
  • What do you see that makes you say that?
  • What more can we find?

During the conversation, paraphrase students’ comments neutrally, point at the area being discussed, and link and frame student comments. Do not provide information or your own opinion of the artwork during the discussion.

Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
  • First Crop

    First Crop
    Thomas Hart Benton

  • Paysage à l’oiseau (Bird in Landscape)

    Paysage à l’oiseau (Bird in Landscape)
    Fernand Léger

Model Lesson Plans that Feature this Activity

Kindergarten - Getting to Know Japan