Visuals: how much, how often, which ones and what for?

Visual aids/Visuals
an instructional device (as a chart, map, or model) that appeals chiefly to vision
something you look at (such as a chart or film) that is used to make something easier to understand
devices, such as films, slides, models, and blackboards, that display in visual form material to be understood or remembered

DO YOU USE THEM?
HOW OFTEN?

Q1: How much do you draw/write
in class?
You draw/write when you teach:
Speaking
Listening
Reading
Writing
Grammar
Vocabulary
Pronunciation
…when you do anything else?

Q2: Do you think visuals are most efficient when teaching…
Speaking
Listening
Reading
Writing
Grammar
Vocabulary
Pronunciation
…anything else?

3) You prefer using…
Coloured markers on whiteboard
Coloured chalk on blackboard
Coloured felt-tips/pencils
Posters
Print-outs
Cut-outs
Flashcards
Real objects
Else?
Which ones with which grade?

VISUALS:
WHY AND HOW TO START?

Why use visuals often?
Personal approach
Highly motivational
Enthusiastic response
Inexpensive (if you make them)
Reusable (cards, posters, charts)

WHICH ONES?
WHERE TO GET THEM?

Make them
Blackboard and coloured chalk
Coloured markers on flipchart/A1
Posters and post-it notes
Cut out from magazines and printed adverts
Find them
Let’s Google it!
Printables
Worksheets
Teacher handouts
Materials
Visual organizers

http://en.islcollective.com
– registration required (free)
www.teacherspayteachers.com
– registration required (free)
www.eslflow.com/Picturelessonsandteachingideas.html
www.eslprintables.com
www.pinterest.com – keywords: ESL printables
Where to search and find?

Graphic organizers

Common language classroom functions
Describing
Comparing/contrasting
Classifying
Sequencing
Cause/effect
Decision making
Common designs
Cluster/word web
Describing wheel
Fact and opinion
Five W’s chart
Sequence chart
Spider map
Tree chart
Venn diagram
Graphic organizers – why?

Making flashcards
Should be large enough
Pictures should be clear
Should be reusable – laminate!

Post-it Notes
http://busyteacher.org/12229-reading-lesson-9-fun-post-it-activities.html
Sample post-it note reading activity:

Motivation, directions, help (1)

Motivation, directions, help (2)

AND THEN… VISUALS FOR OURSELVES

PERSONAL EXAMPLES

I use + I do…
Coloured chalk
Markers and felt-tips on cards
Draw graphs, charts and mindmaps
Ask students to make posters on class topics (not just abstract wallpapers)

Using the board – how to organize?
Always available, no special preparation
Charts and tables rule!
Write clearly and legibly
Don’t hide the board
Talk as you write
Space out, don’t clutter