Writing to Learn: Words in Their Mouths and Thoughts in Their Heads
Use speech and thought bubble templates to activate critical thinking and inspire learners to creatively consider different points of view. Note: When printing for use at the museum please be advised that students may only use pencils in the VMFA galleries.
Speech Bubble
- Choose a figure depicted in a work of art.
- Look closely.
- Gather all the information you can about this figure.
- Think about visual clues like setting, clothing, and body language.
- Based on what you see and what you know, what might this figure have to say?
Thought Bubble
- Choose a figure depicted in a work of art.
- Look closely.
- Gather all the information you can about this figure.
- Think about visual clues like setting, clothing, and body language.
- Based on what you see and what you know, what might this figure be thinking about?
Suggested Works of Art
Try this activity with these works of art or find more options using the VMFA Collections page.
Alexander Spotswood Payne and His Brothe...
The Payne Limner, American, active ca. 1780 - 1803 (Artist)
Alexander Spotswood Payne and His Brother John Robert Dandridge Payne, with Their Nurse
Page from an Akbar-nama Manuscript: Muzaffar Khan Quells a Revolt at Hajipur
The Visitation
A Family of Spanish Smugglers
Black-figured Amphora (Storage Vessel)
attributed to a painter of, Group E, Greek, active 560 - 540 BC (Artist)
