Examples of Visual Aids
Now that we have an understanding of why visuals are an effective tool to be used in teaching, let’s look at some examples of what you can use in the class:Flash Cards
Large picture cards can be made from clip art, color pages, magazines. Enlarge and color the pictures and mount them on a piece of construction paper. If the lesson is on the Tabernacle, there are many items that will be new to the children and so visuals will be very important. Putting a cheat sheets on the back of the picture allows a teacher to see the notes on what the picture is about as the children look at the picture.
Flannel Graphs
Homemade flannel boards can easily be made with felt attached to a large piece of cardboard. If felt is not available, find a fabric that has a bit of a fuzz to it. Experiment with different fabrics to see what will allow pieces to stick to it. Make sure to thoroughly glue the fabric to the cardboard so it doesn’t lift off or pucker. Add a little paint for clouds, or grass. Using chalk to color large areas, will keep the “fuzz” of the fabric. To make the flannel pieces, use color pages or clip art and adhere to a fabric that will stick to the flannel board. Again make sure to glue it down really well so the edges don’t lift off. Gluing the fabric to the paper piece first, before cutting, will allow the fabric and
paper to be cut exactly the same size. Other items used for the back of the pictures are sandpaper, magnets on a white board, or even use good old tape.
Puzzle Boards
Create a grid of 12 squares (3 across & 4 down). Each square is 8” X 8”. On the computer, take a color page and blow it up to be 24” across and 32” high. Divide this large picture into (12) 8” squares. Print each square and cut out. As the story of the picture is being told, attach one square at a time to the grid until all pieces are up and the story picture is complete.
Crafts
Using a craft as part of the lesson time allows the children to see what they will be making and how it relates to the story.
Puppets
Whether you purchase or make puppets, they are a great tool for getting the children’s immediate attention. Some examples of ways to use puppets in class: Have the puppet whisper in the teacher’s ear what they want to tell the class and the teacher will convey the message. Have the puppet dialogue with the teacher about the story. Have a puppet be the main character in the story and tell about what happened to them in the story.
Story Books
Story books can be used for so much more than just reading a story. Look for books with large pictures, if possible. Reading the story is not always necessary. The teacher can tell the story and use the pictures as the visual. Sometimes the story book may not be exactly what the teacher wants
to share, but if the pictures are good, use them as your visual and tell the story. With older children cover the words with some blank paper. That way the children will not be distracted by the words. As the story is being told talk about the picture and point to parts that are relevant to what is being taught. Remember
Time Lines
This is a visual that will help the children see the progression of events. One way to show the progression is to take the color page for each week’s lesson and continually add a picture each week and do a 1 – 2 sentence review of each picture. This way the children can mentally review the previous lessons and see the order that things are happening.
Maps
Maps can be expensive to purchase, but here’s an idea to make maps. Use an overhead projector with a map copied on a transparency. Put up a piece of large paper on the wall and with the transparency shining on the paper, trace the map. If it is a map being used for several weeks, color the map very quickly with chalk. Even a very simple hand drawn map will work to show the children where things were taking place. Consider the journeys that Paul made during his missions trips. It’s amazing how far he went with no planes, trains, or automobiles.
Flip Charts
Flip charts can easily be made with sheets of paper stapled together at the top. Using a black marker, draw simple images to illustrate the lesson. Even those who do not feel artistic can use this visual to draw simple stick figures, animals, maps, diagrams, charts, etc. After a point is drawn and discussed, flip the sheet of paper to a clean sheet. If reviewing a point, simply flip back to the picture being discussed.
Drama, Costumes, and Props
The children get so excited when their teacher comes to class dressed in costume. Cut a hole in an old sheet, put it over your head, and tie a rope around your waist for a Bible costume. Use an old pillow case for a head covering. Yarn and a little glue can make a wig, beard, or mustache. Act out the story to bring it to life for the children. Old cardboard boxes can be cut and painted very quickly to make Bible time props, a sword, a shield, a well, jars of oil. With prayer and a little imagination, one box can become many different things.
References: children.cccm.com
These are some of the Visual Aids I made during my practicum days (Nov 2011 - March 2012)
-Carla B. Gomez
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