1	Gifted Visual Spatial Learners Presented by Rebecca Mann based on the work of Dr. Linda Silverman of the Gifted Development Center in Denver, Colorado www.gifteddevelopment.com
2	Strengths of Visual Spatial Learners Visual Spatial Learners are adept at: Pulling everything apart… Visual Spatial Learners enjoy: Blocks and Boxes Construx and Legos Computers Daydreaming Gears and Tinker Toys Movies
3	Sequential vs. Spatial Learners Sequential Spatial Follows oral directions Follows visual directions Phonics Sight words Rapid processor Slow processor Good organization Organizationally impaired Progresses from easy Gets difficult concepts, to difficult struggles with easy Needs repetition Learning sticks
4	Sequential vs. Spatial Learners Sequential Spatial Does well with Algebra Does well with Geometry Deductive Inductive Analysis Synthesis Orderly progression Intuitive Grasp Academic talent Technology/Creative talent Early Bloomer Late Bloomer Left Brain Right Brain
5	Strategies for Teaching VS Learners Hands On - Minds On Provide manipulatives and create hands on activities Encourage the student to make models
6	Strategies for Teaching VS Learners Visualize Show everything - use overhead or white board, color is better than chalkboard Encourage the child to visualize lists, patterns, situations Ask the child if he can make a picture of what the topic represents Ask yourself, “How would I teach this concept to a deaf child?”
7	Strategies for Teaching VS Learners Technology Encourage the use of computers for learning and allow the child to keyboard, teach keyboarding early
8	Strategies for Teaching VS Learners Increase the difficulty Do not force the student to succeed at easier material before trying the difficult work.
9	Color! Have the child use highlighters to highlight directions or key concepts. Color coordinate everything that has to do with one subject i.e. purple math book cover, purple notebook, purple portfolio, etc. Use overheads or white board with a variety of color; categorize by color. Have the visual spatial child create his own flashcards in color. Copy worksheets and study guides on colored paper, it is easier to keep organized and easier on the eyes.
10	Strategies for Teaching VS Learners Reading Oral Reading - A visual spatial child may never be a good oral reader Get to the child before she makes a mistake so the word won’t imprint incorrectly The student may tire easily and lose concentration Decoding - Sight words, not phonics - can’t hear vowel sounds Encourage use of Context Clues
11	Strategies for Teaching VS Learners Reading Comprehension Good speed readers since they don’t read every word Get content first then scan for details Study captions and graphics in texts Read first and last sentence of each paragraph Skim material 4 times vs. reading slowly once Junior Great Books is terrific program for these kids
12	Strategies for Teaching VS Learners Organizational Skills Color code calendars, assignments, books and supplies Use an hourglass to visualize the passage of time Make sure they have watches that are reliable Teach them to “take a picture” of assignments as they are given Help them learn to look up to their recall side to remember what it is they need to do Teach them how to create priority lists and schedules - they may not like it but it is an essential survival skill! A quote from a highly Visual Spatial college student, “Be involved in so many activities that your life is scheduled for you!”
13	Teacher - Student Interaction Institute a moment of silence at the end of class so students can visualize what they will need for homework - this works well for all children in the class - have them take a few deep breaths and relax then picture what happened during the day and what they will need to take home
14	Teacher - Student Interaction Reduce unpredictable noise - music works well as it is predictable Walkman ground rules must be working continually must be appropriate music must be quiet enough so no one else can hear it must not start singing
15	Teacher/Student Interaction Use wait time - allow time for the child to translate the spoken word to images It may take a visual spatial child longer to begin to answer the question than it took you to ask it
16	Teacher/Student Interaction Let the child completely finish answering the question even if she appears off target as she may eventually get there A visual spatial child may start answering a question and sound completely off target even though they know the answer because words can get in the way of their thinking
17	Teacher/Student Interaction Discipline the visual spatial child in private and be nonjudgmental as any negative messages will cause the child to shut down Often these children appear aloof or arrogant when, in fact, they are really highly sensitive
18	Teacher/Student Interaction Encourage the child’s strengths, don’t dwell on his weaknesses. This can be difficult as their strengths are outside of the traditional educational system Allow for their learning style but don’t allow them to use their learning style as an excuse...
19	"Believe in these children," Believe in these children, they may well be the future Edisons and Einsteins of the world.