Do you use visuals in your classroom? Visuals support students understand what you are trying to teach them. They encourage students to associate pieces of information with visuals. Visual learning helps you to store information for a longer period of time. It is said that videos and images are directly processed by long term memory. The visual learning increases retention by 29-42%. It helps you to process information primarily through visuals and improves your learning process.
I know I talk about visual schedules a lot. I think every classroom should have a visual schedule. Early learners have no concept of time, but they can understand first, next, then, if they are provided visuals. If a student asks you when is lunch, and you respond with 30 minutes, they most likely do not understand what that means. But, if you tell them after literacy centers, or, even better, refer them to the schedule so they can determine for themselves when it is. You can purchase my editable schedule here.
Do your struggle to get your students to follow directions the first time? Try using visuals! You can display these on a dry erase board or under your document camera. Do you want your kids to use markers or crayons? Do they cut first or color first? Visuals will help ensure that your students follow directions the first time. This will save you both time and frustration. Get these visuals FREE here.
I love these Whole Body Listening Cards. I have them displayed above my Smartboard and we review them multiple times a day. They remind students how to show they are listening during a lesson. If a student starts talking, I ask the class, “Are you showing me Whole Body Listening?” Very quickly, they all stop talking and listen. This visual is also one of my favorite classroom management tips.
In addition to using visuals for behavior expectations, I incorporate them into my teaching. You can use visuals to teach vocabulary, retell, and concept development. My Interactive Read Alouds all include visuals to support students comprehension. After you discuss the visuals, you can incorporate drawing and writing about the read aloud. When students draw their own representation, they are more likely to store the information in their long term memory.
Your class will be more successful if you incorporate visuals. Visuals help your students make connections to the information you are providing them with. They also help with your classroom management because students will know what is coming in their day, what is expected out them, and how to complete their work.
❤ Creating a Caring Classroom Community
❤Classroom Routines and Procedures,
