A good picture does the work of many words. It shows meaning without translation, and it gives students something real to talk about. Best of all, it needs no preparation.
Show, do not translate
Hold up a picture of a busy market. Ask what they see. The meaning arrives without a dictionary.
What can you see? Who is there?
Use one picture, many questions
Start easy, then go deeper.
What is this? Where are they? How do they feel? What happened before?
Cover and reveal
Cover most of the picture with paper. Show a small part. Students guess.
What is it? A hat? A boat?
Picture pairs
Give two students the same picture. They describe it to each other without showing it.
There is a red car on the left.
Picture stories
Put three pictures in order. Students tell the story with simple sentences.
First, he woke up. Then, he ran to the bus.
Words to remember
- describe — to say what something is like
- reveal — to show something hidden
- guess — to answer without being sure
- order — the way things follow each other
Questions & answers
Q: Where can I find pictures?
Use your own photos, simple drawings, or free picture sites. One clear picture is enough.
Q: Do pictures work for older students?
Yes, if the picture is interesting: a news photo, a strange scene, a real object.
Q: How do I keep the class in English?
Ask questions about the picture. The picture holds the meaning, so you need fewer words.
Q: Can I use pictures for grammar?
Yes. Show two pictures and compare: "He is running. He ran."
Q: What if students argue about the picture?
Let them. Arguing in English is excellent practice. Guide with questions, not answers.