Elementary students are visual learners. Research shows that photos encourage increase language development. Picture cards also level the playing field, letting non readers access new content. Pictures stimulate both sides of the brain. They increase vocabulary and knowledge.
One Picture Card Brings 1,000 words
Using picture cards differentiates the learning. The students with trouble reading often have deep knowledge about the world they never get to share. Using picture cards give these students power, and enriches the classroom experience!
Research on Sorting
Sorting activities build background knowledge and vocabulary. The hone higher-level thinking skills. Sorting promotes critical thinking and problem-solving. When students categorize, compare and contrast in small group, learning blossoms.
There are e major lesson types when working with photo cards:
- Sorting and classifying on the Pocket Chart
- Group Games
- Small Group or pairs Discussion
Picture Cards on the Pocket Chart
The pocket chart can be used it with any Social Studies content including:
- Rules/Laws
- Goods/Services
- Producer/Consumer
- Spending/Saving
- Reduce/Reuse/Recycling
It naturally makes a visual grid that can be seen and accessed by the group. You could begin with headings, or display all the cards and ask students to come up with their own categories. Sorting is the highest level of activities you can do in the classroom. It links new learning with old. Connections are strengthened. Students who are good at sorting are better able to link concepts to new situations.
You can make your own cards, or if you need a few sets to get you started, click on one of the covers below to check them out.
Group Games with Picture Cards
Many students engage more when they move. Games are a great way to get kids moving:
- Charades
- Corners
- Find Your Family
- Scoot
- Human Tic-Tac-Toe
Group games allow them the opportunity to make connections or move physically within a group. Many students are social learners. They learn more and better with discussion. Then they can compare their thinking with that of others. Group games also facilitate the learning of your social learners who need to discuss new learning with their peers.
Class Discussion
Discussion is the biggest benefit of using picture cards. Photo cards spur:
- Whole group discussion
- Small group discussion
- Pairs discussion
If students can see a situation or concept for themselves, they can make their own connections. The use of photos increase the students’ self-confidence, so they are more likely to join in the conversation. Pictures make a quicker connection with student’s old learning. This makes them more likely to engage more in speaking and listening.
Here are a few resources with cards and timelines if you need them, click on the covers below.
If you would like explicit step-by-step instruction on these Social Studies lessons using picture cards, click on the right. To sign up for my email and get a free copy.
