VISUAL SUPPORTS IN THE CLASSROOM

Is it worth the effort?

WE ALL USE VISUALS

Think of 5 visuals that you use everyday.Why do you use them?

Visual supports are a necessary part of life…

I hear and I forget.I see and I remember.I do and I understand.

Chinese Proverb

Communication status may be:

•Nonverbal• Using limited expressive languageskills• Demonstrating receptive languagedifficulties• Using language literally

STOP Verbal

GO

Visual

Why Use Visuals?

Students will: Learn more quickly Reduce aggressive or self-injurious

behavior Decrease frustration and anxiety Learn to adjust to changes Complete tasks by themselves Gain independence

VISUAL SUPPORTS

Help students with word finding difficulties retrieve words when in conversation with an adult or a peer.

VISUAL SUPPORTS

Help students remember the sequence of an activity such as a classroom job or activity.

VISUAL SUPPORTS

Help students maintain their focus on an activity such as morning circle, by having activity related picture symbols in front of them.

VISUAL SUPPORTS

Assist students who have difficulty processing and comprehending information and in organizing their spoken responses.

If they can’t “talk it out”,they will “act it out”.

“Bad” behavior iscommunication!

Improve Behavior Using Visuals

Improve understanding Help students gain control over their environment Support self management

Social Contact/Conversation

Self Management

Strategy

CREATING VISUALS Make it Easy

Why use a digital camera?

Easy to use Creates more meaningful

images Just print

Can use a variety of formats.

Actual objects

Symbols

“Bubbles” Text

BOARDMAKER

Classroom Strategies

Support routine and daily activities

Help student organize Direct basic instruction Support cognitive processing,

enhance memory and recall Create ways for students to

stay on task Promote student

independence