Visual+Aids.

Students raised in the US have been surrounded on all sides by visual images: magazines, posters, TV, internet, video games, and more. They are very visual learners. Language teachers, much more than teachers of other subjects should make visual aids a way of life.

Anything that can be seen and can be used to help in teaching languages is called a 'visual aid'. Visual aids facilitate the process of teaching and provide support and practical solutions for language teaching challenges even when a teacher has nothing more than books and classroom.

Vital roles of visual aids in language teaching
1. To help students understand what we are saying and clarify meaning. 2. To help students make a more direct association and immediate connection with meaning. This reduces dependence on English. It can also promote remembering by involving the many senses of the learners 3. To maintain a high level of interest in the classroom. Visual aids make a lessons more interesting, lively and effective. When interest is high, understanding and retention also increase.

Large enough for all students to see clearly Visible from the farthest point of the classroom seating Age level appropriate Contributes directly to the aim of the lesson Bold, either in color layout or design Interesting, funny, or attention grabbing
 * Some basic elements of an effective visual aid **

TYPES OF VISUAL AIDS
**Visual aids which are immediately available in most classrooms**
 * blackboard/whiteboard pop-up
 * overhead projector pop-up
 * books
 * students pop-up

**Pictorial materials for specific lessons or general language teaching** Any picture in the hands of the skillful teacher can be effectively used for teaching purposes.
 * photos
 * pictures
 * figurines
 * cartoons
 * charts
 * toys
 * tangible objects
 * authentic realia
 * costumes

**Technology based visual aids**
 * powerpoint presentations
 * slides
 * video clips
 * internet
 * music videos
 * dvds

**Old-fashioned but very effective visual aids**
 * overhead transparencies
 * flannel boards
 * magnetic boards

**Ways to develop an extensive picture file.**
 * Cut out pictures from magazines and mount them on cardstock.
 * Print color pictures from internet (Use Google Image Search and type in specific words)
 * Print black and white pictures from Internet and then color them (or have the students color them). (Tip: Include the words “coloring page” in your image search to access bold, simple pictures.)
 * Ask or assign students (and parents) to help you gather, color, copy, and mount pictures.
 * Purchase commercial visuals from text-book companies
 * Use commercial clip art programs. Your school may have one.

**Creative ways to stretch your visual aid budget**
 * Be on the alert for displays in retail stores. They will often give materials away after the promotion is over
 * Turn smaller charts and pictures into large visual aids by using your overhead projector to project them and trace them onto butcher paper or poster boards.
 * Have students work on visual aids as a way to earn extra credit or do make-up work
 * Kid's coloring books are inexpensive and have clear, bold pictures.
 * Draw stick figures. Students have fun mocking your attempt at artwork.
 * Trade labor with the school art teacher
 * Thrift stores!!

TEACHER TIPS : Preparing Visual Aids Whenever possible, mount pictures on cardstock or tag board and laminate them. They will last longer. Use Spray glue to mount pictures. It wrinkles less and archives better than glue sticks.

**Keeping visuals organized and in good shape**
 * Make a picture file box or drawer.
 * Use cloth bags or purses for object visual aids
 * Organize by category or theme and label and color code for easy finding. If they are well labeled, you can have students help you re-file visual aids after an activity.