Visual supports, such as photos, drawings, objects, gestures, and print and environmental cues,
can help. They are sometimes paired with verbal explanations. They help children know what
to do, learn new skills, and feel included. Visual strategies are considerate of diverse
learners.
Why are visuals important for English language learners?
There is no doubt that visuals are a significant aspect of learning for any student. They
support the communication of key concepts throughout a topic or unit, function
as a memory aid, and engage learners with lesson content by holding more
appeal than simple text.
Visually Representing.
Students create meaning using multiple sign systems such as video presentations, digital photos,
dramatizations, posters, and illustrations in books they’re writing (Burmark, 2002; Moline, 2012).
Projects involving visual texts are often completed as part of literature focus units and thematic units. I
develop these concepts about visually representing:
Students consider audience, purpose, and form as they create visual texts.
Students create visual texts to share information learned during literature focus units and
thematic units.
Students use drama as a learning tool and a powerful way of communicating.
Students combine real and virtual worlds to make successful presentations.
The six language arts can be characterized in several ways: Listening and talking are oral, reading and
writing are written, and viewing and visually representing are visual. Also, three of the language modes
—listening, reading, and viewing—are receptive because students receive or take in language. The other
three modes—talking, writing, and visually representing—are productive because students compose or
create language.
Students visually represent ideas and communicate information for a variety of purposes using art,
graphics, and drama. They develop and organize ideas, explore ideas they’re learning, demonstrate
knowledge, share information, and try to persuade others. Students often work collaboratively with
classmates and incorporate digital technology. They apply the elements of visual language as they create
visual projects and multimedia texts that integrate images and text and often include sound and
movement as well. (p/ 176).
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