Why did the authors include this diagram? What do you see in this diagram? What in the diagram helps us to know what we are seeing? What can we learn about plant cells from the diagram? How does the artist show the cell is like a water-filled baggie and not flat like the paper? How does the artist draw the plant cell to show its depth?

What Do You See?, the dialogue between the teacher and her students is written out in detail and clearly demonstrates how purposeful questioning can support student understanding of diagrams and other graphics used in science textbooks.

creating a statement of identity

personal enjoyment

cementing relationships

organising domestic routines

Using visual literacy can result in: increased quantity of writing increased quality of writing wider use of vocabulary greater use of imagery increased fluency more adventurous writing improved attitude to writing greater engagement with writing greater commitment to writing improved motivation, self-esteem and enthusiasm.

Use of images can be a powerful tool in the teacher’s toolbox. It can stimulate children’s discussion and motivate their interest.

There are also many cross-curricular opportunities to link visual literacy with other core subjects.

‘Young people learn more than half of what they know from visual information, but few schools have an explicit curriculum to show students how to think critically about visual data.

Visual images are fast becoming the most predominant form of communication

facial expressions, body language, drawing, painting, sculpture, hand signs, street signs, international symbols, layout of the pictures and words in a textbook, the clarity of type fonts, computer images, pupils producing still pictures, sequences, movies or video, user-friendly equipment design and critical analysis of television advertisements.

purposeful writing – writing which motivates, is purposeful, relevant and has an audience

not only teachers modelling but writing for pupils and alongside them. This leads onto the idea of teachers as talkers; modelling talk and valuing talk and its role in writing

implementing visual and sound elements into texts.

Some students displayed high level graphics manipulation using skills they taught themselves, an indicator of high motivation.

teachers empower their students with the necessary tools to thrive in increasingly media-varied environments.

Advertisers understand how to reach youngsters (and really, just about anyone) far better than educators.

Just as the visual language of point and click and scroll has become transparent and embedded into modern culture, so have the messages to buy Coke and shop at the Gap.

What am I looking at? What does this image mean to me? What is the relationship between the image and the displayed text message? How is this message effective?

Moreover, visual literacy instruction will better prepare students for the dynamic and constantly changing online world they will inevitably be communicating through.

point of view; cause and effect; symbolism; stereotype ; and mood