We as humans take in so much information through our eyes, simply by looking at and observing the world around us. The Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) method capitalizes on this by encouraging students to rely solely on what they see in front of them. They must use visual cues to both formulate ideas about the image they’re looking at, and to provide evidence to back up those ideas. Through the use of open-ended discussion questions and a group problem-solving model, VTS helps students develop visual literacy, as well as their problem solving, deep thinking, and listening skills. Learn how to implement VTS in your classroom, and see it applied to JWA’s primary sources.

Session Recording

Session Materials

• PowerPoint presentation
• Garment Factory circa 1910
• National Federation of Temple  Youth at the March on Washington
• “To Chicky from Daddy”

Featured Curriculum:

• Living the Legacy lessons about the roles American Jews played in the Civil Rights and Labor movements

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about VTS by visiting their website
• Use this Library of Congress teacher’s guide to further help your students analyze photographs and prints
• See VTS in action and hear what teachers and students have to say  about it in this video