Teaching Beginning Reading and Writing with the Picture Word Inductive Model

The PWIM is a strategy which has stood the test of time and whose time has come again. This simple yet effective process unlocks students' natural learning styles and encourages higher order thinking while supporting their developing skills in reading and writing.

The Picture Word Inductive Method (PWIM) is a clever and useful practical model for teaching beginning reading and writing. In meeting students where they are, the PWIM uses students' own background knowledge to engage them in discussion and use of words in many ways.

The Picture Word Inductive Model (PWIM), developed by Emily Calhoun, is being used extensively in an elementary where I work as curriculum coordinator. The teachers and students report that it's fun, engaging, and well worth the time and energy devoted to it.