VISUAL CLASSROOMS -- TOOLS LEARNERS SHOW US THEY NEED NOW!
The groundbreaking Visual Tools and strategies highlighted on this site were all built by teachers collaborating with their learners to see what works for them. For teachers new to visual tools, two Scholastic books (right) offer both the practical how-to and some of the "why-to" as well. Students show us visual tools are essential if we hope to reach all learners.
SHARING WHAT WORKS
Look here for new material, teachers sharing more ways to integrate visual tools in any curriculum. I'm hoping to share new strategies and explore research that shows why visual tools are a classroom essential.
Soon I hope to invite teachers long experienced with using visual tools to share what they are doing in a Teacher Forum.
ADDRESSING DISABILITIES: 
Visual Tools have long been recognized by specialists to offer unique support for learners who struggle, including students labeled with a wide range of disabilities from language processing to autism spectrum issues. We'll explore the ways visual tools work for "different" learners, giving a alternative path to the learning goal. But equally important we'll challenge pervasive learning myths that often limit students and teachers choices.
Get an introduction to the dramatic way visual tools enhance learning with a piece first published in Voices From the Middle, The Odd Fish Story, about a boy who "couldn't" be included in the mainstream language arts and the transformation that takes place when adults try using visual tools for writing.