Helping students visualize what they are reading helps deepen comprehension and also helps students retain information longer.
Ask students to read a specific section of text collaboratively. When they have completed the text, ask them to discuss the material and to then create a picture, diagram or mind map to show what they have learned from the text.
Students then present and explain their visual images to the class to help them clarify their own thoughts and connections.
When students create a visual image that connects to the text they have read, not only is there deeper understanding of the material, but they have also stored the information in two places in the brain, thus, deepening retention.