Emily Calhoun (1998) developed the Picture Word Inductive Model based on strategies for language acquisition. This method uses pictures containing familiar objects, actions and scenes to draw out words from children’s listening and speaking vocabularies. This model helps students add words to their reading vocabulary, as well as their writing vocabulary, and also discover phonetic and structural patterns present in those words. This strategy is very effective with students who are learning English or that are struggling readers and writers.
The instructional sequence is presented in a predictable way each time you use this strategy. I have modified it a bit to work with my students:
First, we observe the picture using the I see, I think, I wonder strategy. This can be done orally or with a graphic organizer:
After students observe and notice. I put a copy on chart paper and they label their picture along with me. We categorize the list of words by parts of speech. They can then use those words to write sentences about the picture or topic. So much oral language is acquired through this process! Your students will be thoroughly engaged.
I have a fantastic resource that puts it altogether for you! There are whole page photos, student copies and graphic organizers!
