The Writing through Art process begins with careful looking , interpreting, and thinking critically about artworks. One way to begin this process is by using an adaptation of the VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies) approach. Before writing, have students use this process to explore several artworks.

Visual Thinking Strategies overview:

• Students are first asked to look at an image without talking.
• Then the teacher/facilitator asks non-directive questions, “What’s going on in this picture?” “What more can we find?” These questions encourage students to examine what they see. Later on, more specific, probing, and directed questions are added.
• Students are also asked to back up interpretations with evidence; whenever they state an opinion, teachers ask them, "What do you see that makes you say that?"
• The teacher ensures that every response is heard and acknowledged by pointing to what is mentioned as students talk, and then paraphrasing what is said.
• As the discussion evolves, teachers link various related answers, helping to make students aware of their converging and diverging views, and of their developing skills at constructing shared yet varied meanings.

For more information about the VTS approach, go to www.vue.org