ReadingisSeeing: Using Visual Response to Improve the Literary Reading of Reluctant Readers

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This study compared the responses of two highly reluctant learning-disabled readers before and after they were helped to visualize story situations and events through visual art. These visual art procedures included the reading of illustrated books, the use of visual protocols, and the creation of symbolic story representations, illustrated books, collages, and picture maps regarding their reading. Data gathered from the students were subjected to ethnographic analysis, including preliminary and systematic domain searches, to reveal codes and themes. Data revealed that the use of visual art helped these two readers to begin enjoying reading, and to begin evoking and manipulating story worlds in their minds. The treatments encouraged the students not only to “see” what they were reading, but also to make other response moves involving emotional affect, connecting their own life to the literary experience, and the consideration of significance. Most importantly, perhaps, these students began to participate in the classroom community through their artwork.