learner differences

Strategic use of external visual images can provide the background knowledge and memory pegs to help students "see" what is happening and unlock confusing text (Levin, 1981). In our work with struggling readers we have found that the use of sketches, illustrations, picture books, and movies provides students with information on which to build their internal images. By supporting students with these tools, the teacher provides students with essential elements necessary for responding to the text. Hibbing, A., & Rankin-Erickson, J. (2003, May)

"A picture is worth a thousand words: Using visual images to improve comprehension for middle school struggling readers."

Anne Nielsen Hibbing and Joan L. Rankin-Erickson. The Reading Teacher, Vol. 56, No. 8 (May, 2003), pp. 758-770. International Reading Association