How to Record mental Images

• 1. Preview before you read. Look at the photos and graphics. Use these as a starting point to create your own mental images.

• 2. Look for words that explain. Use the words to form pictures in your mind. Ask: What would this look like?

• 3. Add what you know from your own life. Use your own experiences to add to your mental images.

• 4. Note important details and visualize the words. Sketch images you form in your mind.

  Visualization Chart

  Words in the Text	My Own Experiences	What I Visualize
  Suppose you put seeds out for the birds in your area. Then, the bird population might get larger, too.	My father puts out seeds for sparrows and other birds in winter.	I picture more birds making nests in spring because of the food supply.

Sometimes our actions benefit the environment because we might help a certain plant or animal population get larger. For example, imagine that you plant tulips in your neighborhood. This action helps the tulip population grow in your area. Suppose you put seeds out for the birds in your area. Then, the bird population might get larger, too.

To visualize, look for words that explain.
“I picture more birds coming to our yard.”

Use your own experience to form images.
“I’ve seen Dad put out seeds for birds in our yard.”