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III. Visual Literacy © 2006 Nancy Polette
1. MYTH:
Constant exposure to a fact or concept means that one will learn it.
A. Does the head on a penny face right or left?
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B. Does the Statue of Liberty hold her torch in her right or left hand?
C. When you fold your arms, which hand is tucked in?
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D. When you clasp your hands, which thumb is on top?
2. Looking at illustrations: Key questions to use in interpreting an artist's purpose.
A. LINE: What lines indicate stillness? (vertical/horizontal). What lines show movement? (diagonal). What lines
are repeated?
B. COLOR: Where are the darkest colors? Lightest colors? What feelings do we associate with
dark and light colors? Is color used to foreshadow coming action?
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C. SHAPE/SIZE: What is the largest item in the print? The smallest? How does size show distance? Is size used to indicate what is most important in
the print?
D. FRAMES: Are any objects framed in the print? Why?
3. Outstanding books to promote visual literacy:
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Agee, John. The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau. Farrar, 1988.
Anno. Anno's Journey, Anno's Britain, Anno's U.S.A. Philomel, 1986-88.
Polette, Nancy. The Hole by the Apple Tree. Greenwillow, 1992.
Rockwell, Anne. Albert B Cub and Zebra. Crowell, 1977.
CREATIVE THINKING
OBJECTIVE: To define productive thinking processes and explore methods for stimulating students' productive thinking
ability.