The Art of Comprehension: Exploring Visual Texts to Foster Comprehension, Conversation, and Confidence

by Trevor Andrew Bryan

The Art of Comprehension [creates] an invisible thread that stretches across varied professional contexts to connect art, literacy, and all content areas.
--From the forward by Dr. Mary Howard

In The Art of Comprehension, Trevor A. Bryan introduces his signature method for enhancing students' understanding and thinking about all texts--both written and visual. By using what he calls "access lenses" (such as faces, body language, sound/silence) you can prompt all your students to became active explorers and meaning-makers. Organically and spontaneously, your classroom will become more student-centered.
Discover inventive ways to prompt students to notice, think about, and synthesize visuals--using the same observation and comprehension skills they can bring to reading and writing.
Learn about ways to unravel layers of meaning in picture books, chapter books, artwork, poetry, and informational text.
Explore the book's eclectic collection of art and illustration, by acclaimed illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, 19th century masters, and more.
Bryan's approach allows all students to engage meaningfully with texts and join the classroom conversation. With this comes the greatest reward of confidence and independence for all kinds of learners.

Genres: Education, Professional Development, Nonfiction, Art

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2019

Reviews

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be using these ideas in my classroom for sure!

[Kimberly Isham · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Art of Comprehension, Trevor Andrew Bryan skillfully lays out artistic tools for teachers to use to guide students to a greater comprehension of both visual and written texts. He also demonstrates that these same tools can also be used to guide students to thoughtfully craft their own texts. The AoC is a refreshing look at the art of teaching Comprehension through the eyes of an art teacher!

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for all teachers! Trevor Bryan’s framework for Visual Literacy is painted so clearly, you can begin these conversations with your students tomorrow. The resources in this book are easy to implement, visually pleasing for students and will lead to deeper understanding for all readers.

[Debs Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in either visual literacy, or how to help students go deeper in their reading and writing. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on mood and how the author unpacked its centrality in understanding a book, and crafting writing. This is a great way to scaffold teaching literacy, and even though the examples were mainly drawn from younger children, I could immediately see places to insert ideas for AP Language and AP Literature students.

[Elizabeth Hassinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m looking forward to putting this approach into practice in my classroom. I think the lenses, frame work, and mood structures make the process very explicit. I also love that you go from something “concrete”, paintings/pictures to the more “abstract”, texts. This fits within my teaching pedagogy of starting with a students known.

[Kelly Ussery · Rating 5 out of 5]

My love of art and my love of reading/writing come together so perfectly in this professional read. Spoke to my heart...read it in two sittings and have already tried some of what was discussed in classrooms today!

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this approach to helping students build reading and writing skills through visual comprehension.

[Mandy Robek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely ideas to grow the work with reading comprehension and student’s writing.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this text written for teachers, Art-educator Trevor Bryan carefully explains an interesting process he uses to help readers comprehend by viewing the text through an artist’s eye, using a protocol that he’s developed and implemented with a variety of grade levels. He explains how to introduce the process first with picture books, then seque to using with novels and informational text and finally how to incorporate into student writing. Not really a research-based strategy, but rather a practitioner-based approach that has been successful for the author the text.

[Kevin Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful framework for connecting the understanding of art and visuals with comprehension and appreciation of reading