Synopsis
This unit incorporates researched techniques and drawing to facilitate the acquisition and expression of learning. The activities are designed to improve students’ ability to attend within the learning environment, whether as a focusing strategy, a brain break or a communication tool. Mindfulness drawing practices increase students’ self-awareness and self-regulation to build engagement with learning opportunities. The unit will expand “focus” beyond the simple idea of “paying attention” into the idea of activating the brain whether it be through cueing schema (prior knowledge/experience systems), channeling anticipation or strategizing. Lastly, visual data, visual storytelling, and graphic writing will be taught to improve students’ integration of knowledge and ideas by providing them with new methods to express their learning, and by expanding their drawing toolkit to include a visual vocabulary to identify, process and communicate information across the curriculum.