Word, Describe, Draw is a teaching strategy that helps students make real world connection to vocabulary words or key concepts in a unit lesson. For many students, especially ELL students, it is much easier to remember a words context from a picture rather than memorize the specific definition. Writing the word, definition, and then sketch something that is personally meaningful to the student. To gauge understanding of the word, the student should be able to describe their sketch and how it relates to the definition of the word.

Use in the CTE Classroom

• Begin a new unit with vocabulary and have students complete a worksheet similar to the one below.

• Have students choose their favorite main ideas or the ones they understand the least and have them sketch a picture relating to the idea.

• Students should verbally explain their pictures to gauge their understanding.

• Students could work independently while using a dictionary or glossary.

• This can also be done online and students can insert a picture from an online resource. This way, students can see more than one picture representation of the word and choose what connects with them the most.

This is my go-to for vocabulary. I can really see that "lightbulb" moment with my ESL students when they can actually see what the word means through a picture. Frequently, I take it a step further and have them write the translation of our vocabulary word in their native language. Using this strategy, students can read, see, and translate the vocabulary word so that they have a complete understanding of the vocabulary. This strategy gives students connections to their native language and experiences they may have had with the vocabulary word. Students should focus on making simple sketches for understanding rather than elaborate sketches that lose the meaning of the word.

For more information:

Free template: https://www.readnaturally.com/userfiles/ckfiles/files/vocab-word- sketches.pdf