In Class Support: Color - Symbol - Image VTR

Last week we began to introduce Visible Thinking Routines to our students.  In ISPP we believe that making thinking visible helps our students by encouraging engagement, uncovering understanding and making connections. As a result of this they become more independent, creative and confident communicators.

We decided to begin with the CSI (Color - Symbol - Image) thinking routine. After my homeroom colleagues pre-taught this routine in their classes through meaningful discussion of colors, explanation of symbols and identifying differences between images and symbols, it was time for me to practice using CSI VTR with our students.
The unit vocabulary was revised using the CSI thinking routine and various teaching models (in some classes we co-taught and in others I modeled the activity) were employed.

Our students worked in small groups, discussing the vocabulary words, cooperatively choosing the color, creating symbols and images for their words.

All our students were engaged in this activity and demonstrated great team work, shared their interpretations, exploring each others ideas. It was challenging for some to consider different viewpoints and perspectives and find a compromise.

Trying to find a compromise is not always easy.

The lesson finished up with brief presentations of every team's product. It was exciting to observe their enthusiasm and listen to their reasoning.

Proud presenters in Miss Lisa's class.

Guilia's group is presenting their color, symbol and image for the word HEALTH.