Visual literacy is a key life skill. So much of the information that we see and process on a daily basis comes from visual sources such as images, pictures, symbols, signs, and diagrams. In the English language classroom, it is important for us to support our learners to develop these skills. 

Visual literacy skills can help learners to:

• interpret the main idea of a text before reading by looking at pictures
• understand a complex process using a diagram
• navigate online platforms or learning apps using icons
• stay safe through decoding signs and symbols
• analyze meaning, think critically, and discuss their opinions with others
• be aware of how their responses to imagery and colors can be different from others'
• inspire them to ask questions and explore the topic further
• be creative in how they communicate and convey information

 In this blog post, I will share some creative ways to bring visual literacy into the ELT classroom. 

1. Infographics

Infographics are a visual summary of complex information. They use icons, images, and diagrams to convey complex information in a visually engaging and quick way. Their popularity is growing as people in our fast-paced world consume information in more rapid ways. 

When I want to find information online quickly, I will search for an infographic (or sketchnote) as a starting point. This way I can have an overview of the key aspects of a topic in seconds, without having to read dense texts. 

In class, they are a great way to incorporate real-world reading skills into the classroom. They also support reading skills development in a fun way that reduces processing load on learners who may get overwhelmed by longer texts. 

Here is an example infographic about Sun Protection from Ellii’s Real-World Reading section. 

The Real-World Reading section supports learners to develop literacy and visual literacy skills in tandem. It provides texts in their authentic layout such as emails, bank statements, menus, receipts, bills, bus schedules, and maps. 

2. Sketchnotes

Sketchnoting is a form of visual note-taking that can boost creativity, information processing, and focus. It is a fun way to bring whiteboards, notebooks, and lessons to life. Students can try it out as a way of helping them take notes, express ideas, or keep a journal. 

You can collaboratively create a large scale sketchnote of a topic on the whiteboard and then have students copy it or take a photo of it for their records. You could also have students search online for sketchnotes of a topic (e.g., the water cycle) and have them analyze it as they would an infographic. 

For example: 

• What is the infographic/sketchnote about?
• What images does it use? Why?
• What colors does it use? Why? 
• What facts does it summarize?
• What numbers does it show? 
• What types of lettering style does it use? Why? 
• What questions do you have about the topic? 
• And of course, you could have students research a topic and then create their own sketchnotes to share with the class. 

You can find out more about sketchnoting here: 

• Sketchnoting 101: Supercharge Professional Development with Visual Notes 
• Top Digital Tools for Visual Thinking Activities
• How to Get the Most Out of an ELT Conference

3. Diagrams, charts & graphs

Analyzing data in the form of diagrams, charts, graphs, and maps is crucial for navigating life, but also to prepare for academia and work. The ability to interpret with a critical eye can ensure that learners understand diagrams, charts, graphs, and maps correctly and don’t get duped by fake news. Learning to create their own can help them to process information, present their knowledge confidently, and study effectively.  

This Academic Vocabulary lesson on the Digestive System, for example, offers learners the opportunity to understand the human body in more detail and learn vocabulary using visual markers. Having a diagram like this in their notebooks serves as an engaging memory booster to help them study and retain the information. 

This Introduction to Graphing lesson helps students to learn the basics of understanding, using, and creating graphs. 

4. Graphic organizers

Graphic organizers are visual tools that provide a space for learners to add their ideas, notes, and answers. They are a great way to reduce processing load by providing structured learning in visual form rather than written. 

For example, in this lesson on Internet Entrepreneurs, students read three texts and then complete a graphic organizer in the form of a Venn Diagram. This allows learners to think deeply about the similarities and differences between each business owner. Having a small space to write in also encourages them to take notes in as succinct a fashion as possible. It also provides a quick visual memory booster to ignite conversations later in the lesson. 

You can read more about graphic organizers in the English language classroom here: 

• Using Graphic Organizers for Language Skills Development
• Graphic Facilitation 101: Teaching English through Visual Communication

5. Icons, signs & symbols

International iconography is everywhere—from the cursor icon on your computer screen to the emergency exit icon in buildings or public transportation vehicles. These icons are specifically designed to be recognizable in any language and can help learners of all levels communicate effectively. 

Discussing these signs and symbols in class can make learners more aware of the international language of imagery and how they can use it to convey their own visual messages. 

This lesson on Road Signs & Signals is a good place to start. Students can discuss what a red triangle or a green traffic light means. On completing the lesson, you could send them off around the college (or their computer screen) to find other icons that are instantly recognizable. For example, the microphone on or off icon uses a similar circle with a cross through it as the no parking sign. 

You could also use symbolism like this to help learners to express their feelings towards a lesson, concept, or activity. Give them a red, amber, and green "traffic light" card. Students can show the green card if they understand and are happy with an activity or turn it to red if they are confused and need more clarification. 

6. Flashcards

There is more to flashcards than simply teaching vocabulary. One image may have infinite interpretations. Take the microphone icon above for example. It could be used to: 

• express that the sound is off
• ask people to turn their mobile phones to silent
• signal where to press to turn your sound off
• show that this is a quiet space

In class, it could be used to:

• represent quiet reflection time
• manage turn-taking (or active listening time) during conversations or debates
• initiate a silent role-play, skit, or presentation
• inspire a story or conversation about a (broken) microphone

Ellii has over 6,000 flashcards in its library. Each can be renamed. A fun visual literacy boosting activity could be to pick a flashcard and have students make suggestions for different ways it could be interpreted. This is a fun way to have learners get creative, think critically, and share their differing perspectives, interpretations, and ideas of a visual. 

Here are some other ideas for using flashcards in class: 

• How to Use Our Flashcards 
• 3 Tips for Using Flashcards—No Prep Required
• Assigning Videos & Flashcards to Students
• 12 Ellii Flashcards Perfect for Planning & Reflection

 

7. Emoji

Emoji are everywhere. They are bright and fun, and they can convey actions, feelings, and opinions. Choosing the right emoji to respond to an online message or to accompany a social media comment can quickly convey how someone feels about something. 

For example:  

• They asked me to write an article for the school magazine! 🤩🥳
• They asked me to write an article for the school magazine!  😤🤦‍♀️
• They asked me to write an article for the school magazine! 😳🫣

The first emoji convey delighted excitement, while the second shows annoyance and the third embarrassment and anxiety. These emojis are commonplace and generally understandable to everyone across cultures. However some may be more open to interpretation. 

• For example, my friend often uses this one for a smile, but I think it looks like a grimace: 😬 
• Then there are cultural differences. This one could be pray, high five, or thank you depending on the person, place, or context: 🙏
• This one could be "okay"or "perfect" in some places, but highly offensive in others: 👌

Inviting discussions on these different interpretations can raise awareness, allow students to choose which icons to use in which contexts, and when to avoid them or explain their interpretations of them. 

Here are some other ways to use them to develop visual literacy: 

• Blog 
• Discussion Starter
• Ellii Poll 

8. Visual storytelling

It is often said that a picture can say a thousand words, so why not use pictures to inspire learners to use a thousand words (or ten, depending on their level).

There are many ways to do this. You could bring comics or graphic novels into class and have students read them, discuss them, rewrite the captions, and do role-plays of the panels. 

Another idea is to have students draw their own stories or create them using pictures, such as cutouts from magazines or Ellii’s flashcards. Students can then narrate or tell the story, turn it into a video story, or interview a character from it. 

Here are some other ideas: 

• Create Your Own Adventure: Teaching English the Wordless Way!
• The Stories We Tell
• Simply Storytelling: Inspiring English Learners with Story Prompts 

 

9. Photos

One of the best ways to bring natural discussion into the classroom is to have students share personal photos. Have them bring in a photo that is important to them or share some of their recent photos from their phone. Students can then describe the photo to others, ask questions, and find out more about the other learners in their class. 

As a written activity, have students share images in an online group such as on a shared padlet or virtual learning environment and write a caption. Then have students comment on other learners' posts, encouraging them to ask and answer questions. 

If you prefer higher-impact photos with a more global outlook, check out Ellii’s Photo Prompts section. These digital activities are a great way to spark conversations and think critically about world topics. 

Have learners: 

• describe the photo
• guess what happened before the photo
• predict what will happen next
• write a caption
• role-play the photo
• consider different people’s emotions or perspectives

Here are some ideas for how to get a whole three-hour lesson out of just one image:

What's the Story? How One Image Can Develop Visual Literacy & Critical Thinking Skills

10. Videos

As with photos, these are a great way to personalize lessons. Have students share their favorite online funnies or a short clip of them doing something funny or entertaining. Facilitate discussion about what they liked about the video, why it might be popular on socials, and any interesting language that it uses. Let them reflect on the impact the video had on their emotions or beliefs.

There are many ways to use videos in the English language classroom. Here are some tips and ideas for other ways to use them in class: 

• 4 Ways to Use Videos Effectively in Class 
• 4 Creative Ways to Use Silent Video Clips in English Class
• Teaching English with Selfie Videos 

These are just a few ways to incorporate visual literacy skills development in the English language classroom. Which ideas have you tried? What other ideas do you have? We would love to know.