Visualizing is a useful reading strategy to help you understand and respond to texts. When you visualize, you’re using the words on the page to create a picture in your mind. You probably already visualize while you read. For example, when you read a novel, you probably have a clear picture in your head of the main character.
In nonfiction or informational texts
visualize the location, events, and key people
try to picture the flow of events as though you’re watching a movie
picture how the events are connected
use the images that accompany a text to help you visualize
In fiction or narrative texts
imagine the appearance of the characters, setting, and action
pay attention to the emotional tone of the words — tone can help “colour” your visualization
use descriptive words to add detail to your visualization
Reading Tips
As you read, pay attention to the details that change your mental picture.
If you lose track of what’s happening in a text, stop reading. Go back to the last point where you could visualize, and look for transition words that show the flow of events.
If you’re having trouble visualizing a detail, try creating a drawing or diagram to help organize the details you do understand.
Another good reading strategy is making connections. When you make connections to a text, you’re making links from the text to what you already know. Making connections helps you understand and respond to a text. Connecting also makes it easier to remember information.
1 + 1 = 3
When you take an idea from a text and add one of your own ideas, you end up with more than just the two ideas you started with. Scientists who study brains say that making a connection like this actually rewires your brain to think in a new way.
While you read, think about
the parts of the text that remind you of things you’ve experienced (text-to-self connections)
the parts of the text that remind you of other texts (text-to-text connections)
the parts of the text that remind you of facts you already know (text-to-world connections)
how facts in the text might conflict with what you already know — a “disconnect” can be as valuable as a connection
the value of the connections you’re making. Ask yourself: Do these connections help me better understand the text I’m reading?
Remember: Visualizing a scene or character can help you make connections. Making connections as you read a descriptive passage can help you visualize.
Connect to …
Speaking/Listening: Sit back to back with a partner. Take turns describing a simple shape without naming it. See if your partner can draw what you describe. How can visualizing and making connections help you while you listen?
Social Studies: How might making connections with what you already know help you as you read a newspaper article about refugees?