1. Look at the image quietly for at least 30 seconds, letting your eyes wander. 
2. List 10 words or phrases about any aspect of the image. 
3. Repeat Steps 1 and & 2: Look at the image again and try to add 10 more words or phrases to your list.

PURPOSE

What kind of thinking does this routine encourage? 

This routine helps students slow down and make careful, detailed observations by encouraging them to push beyond first impressions and obvious features.

APPLICATION

When and where can I use it? 

The routine can be used with any kind of visual art or non-art images or objects. The routine can be used on its own or to deepen the observation step of another routine. It can be especially useful before a writing activity because it helps students develop descriptive language.

LAUNCH

What are some tips for starting and using this routine?

You can invite students to do a first look with little guidance and encourage them simply to make a broad inventory of what they see. You might invite some guided looking during either the first or second “looking” opportunities by asking students to notice colors, shapes, and lines (borrowing from the thinking routine, “Colors, Shapes, Lines”). You can have pairs of students share their lists after both looking sessions to notice what their partners saw. If a list of ten observations seems too long to start with, shorten the task so students list or draw just 3-5 things they notice each time.