The Power of Visuals in the Classroom

Many of Ellii's lessons use flashcards and picture dictionaries to introduce vocabulary. Ellii has almost 5,000 flashcards and teachers can create sets to meet their students’ needs. Students can then use these to create their own picture dictionaries and vocabulary notes.

Here are some other creative ways to use flashcards.

2. To introduce global topics

While illustrations can be fun and educational, sometimes a photo is more appropriate and expressive, such as this photo entitled Fleeing Sudan from Ellii's Photo Prompts section.

Using just one image, students are prompted to describe the photo, make predictions, research the history of Sudan, and explore reasons for migration. In this case, a photo is essential to show the reality of the situation.

This blog post has more ideas for you to get a three-hour lesson out of just one image: What's the Story? How One Image Can Develop Visual Literacy & Critical Thinking Skills

3. To inspire storytelling

Using storytelling in class is a brilliant way to incorporate all four communication skills. Students can:

• listen to a story and take notes
• discuss the story
• write a summary of the story (or an alternative version)
• read other students' stories

Ellii's Story Prompts use images to inspire students’ storytelling skills. For example, in this Superhero story, students can describe the picture or use it to tell their own version of the story. Students can do this alone or in groups. 

Language Scenes like this one, "At the Beach," can be used in a similar way: 

For more ideas on how to use images to tell stories, check out these blog posts: 

• Simply Storytelling: Inspiring English Learners with Story Prompts
• Wordless Lessons: An Innovation Project
• Create Your Own Adventure: Teaching English the Wordless Way!

4. To instigate conversation

Sometimes the best way to get a conversation going is to stay silent. For example, show students this image from Ellii's silent video "disagreeing," or play the full video. In this case, the authentic person showing their disagreement is perhaps more emotive than an animation might be.

Have students answer conversation starters, such as: 

• How does she feel? 
• Why do you think she feels this way? 
• What makes you respond in this way? 
• When was the last time you disagreed with someone? Why?
• Make a list of five things you disagree with. Share them with a partner. 

For an added challenge, have students come up with their own questions, or ask them to write a dialogue between two people disagreeing about something. You can access Ellii's silent clips here. There are also Workplace vocabulary silent clips in this category. 

For more ideas on using silent clips and moving images, check out these blog posts: 

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

5. To boost creativity

Photos and illustrations are wonderful receptive teaching tools. Having students produce their own can be equally, if not more, beneficial. This can help you check that students have understood, give an opportunity for peer learning, let them tell their own stories, and incorporate creativity into the classroom. Some students may not feel confident with drawing. In this case, remind them that drawings don’t have to be artistic. The aim is to communicate a message, not to be Picasso! Every day scientists, architects, engineers, and teachers use simple doodles and diagrams to explain things, take notes, and help them to think. It is a useful skill for all ages.

Here are some ways to have students draw in the classroom:

• play Pictionary
• draw their own flashcards or picture dictionaries
• take notes using simple sketches
• tell a story in comic style or replacing words with doodles
• create their own graphic organizers, using oversized doodles instead of tables
• use doodles in mind maps or diagrams
• copy the Ellii illustrations

Here are some related posts on Ellii: 

• Sketchnoting 101: Supercharge Professional Development with Visual Notes
• How to Simplify Complex Tasks with Visual Prompts 
• Graphic Facilitation 101: Teaching English through Visual Communication
• Using Graphic Organizers for Language Skills Development
• How to Use Pictures as Grammar Prompts
   

How do you use visuals in the classroom? Do you prefer photos, illustrations, or your own drawings? Share your experiences and ideas in the Comments below!