VSL Writing Program:

The writing program focuses on understanding translation from picture to word in a sequential manner. VSL writing also addresses the project expectations, getting clear on the directions, picking resources, diagraming the outcome, evaluating the amount of time a writing piece will take you, evaluating the main points, and organizing those thoughts coherently on paper.

Visual learners struggle with organization, transitions, and deciding which are the main points. To a picture thinker, everything seems just as important as the next and it happens all at once in their mind, so sequence in not always evident in their writing.

Descriptive writing: Object, moment in time, story sequence- Day 1 and 2

Objects:

• Getting the picture into words:

• Organization- Large to small, macro to micro, chain of events, layers

• Is there enough detail for the reader to create their picture

• Is the word choice authentic, and in your voice, did you use descriptive language

Moment in time:

• Layer the moment using macro to micro-

• Blow up the writing with details using all of the senses and emotion

Story and story organization:

• Learn to diagram the story line- outline story with notes to hold your place

• Organize the plot

• Use transitions

Non-fiction writing: Days 3,4, and 5

Visit library, websites to choose topic and develop thesis idea

• 3 different resources

• How to read non-fiction

• How to pick resources to get “The big picture”

• Deciding on topics for the research paper

• Use your picture notes to determine important points

• What makes a point a main point or a lesser point?

• How to organize the work

• Diagram the project- knowing the expectations

• Estimated time V actual time it takes to research, write a draft, etc

• What to do when you can’t get started…

• Reading rubrics and understanding the expectations