In all classrooms, but especially for ELL’s, visual supports are beneficial examples of scaffolding. When the learning is scaffolded students are building on prior learning, and it presents ways for students to build on a success before they learn something new. This is vital for ELL students. One example of a visual scaffold is an anchor chart. I like my walls to teach when I am not teaching. This means we need to be intentional with our wall space. When used with fidelity, anchor charts engage and support instruction because students can visually review a process and be reminded of a concept already taught. The benefit of an anchor chart is that it can be displayed and referenced as needed.
With these V.I.S.U.A.L. ideas you can transform your classroom into a vibrant learning lab. The effective use of visuals can increase retention and enhance the learning process. It is also sure to make learning more fun and lively.
References:
Kouyoumdjian Haig Ph.D. Learning Through Visuals. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/get-psyched/201207/learning-through-visuals.
Medina, John. (2018). Brain Rule Breakdown. Retrieved from http://www.brainrules.net/vision
Dr. Stephanie Knight is an experienced 7th and 8th grade English language arts educator. She taught in Title One schools for eight years—helping them grow from underperforming to excelling—and then in an independent school for four years. Knight is now is part of Grand Canyon University’s adjunct faculty where she teaches graduate level education and reading courses.