Definition: Sketch-to-Stretch is an instructional strategy that was developed by Harste, Short, & Burke, (1988). This strategy encourages students to visualize text and then interpret the concept by drawing it. It allows students to make connections between text and their real life experiences.
This technique can also be used in a variety of ways:
- Individually
- Small group
- With a partner
- As a pre-reading activity
- As a post-reading activity
Examples:
- After reading a passage from a book the students draw a stretch to show what they visualized.
- For a pre-reading activity the students would use the strategy to connect prior knowledge.
- Works great with the Harold and Purple Crayon Lesson Plan.
