In the world of education, the incorporation of visuals in the classroom has proven to be a very important tool for enhancing student engagement and understanding. Tools such as visual expectations, visual schedules, work systems and reward systems are among many that help to create a structured and predictable learning environment where students can thrive. Visuals can make concrete representations of abstract concepts making instructions and expectations more accessible to students. Visual schedules, for example, help depict the daily routine which helps students anticipate transitions and allows a sense of security and independence in students. When students know what comes next, students are less likely to experience anxiety about changes, which allow them to focus more on their learning rather than worrying about the unknown.
Visual expectations can be found on a teacher lanyard, taped to a desk, on the whiteboard, etc. These visuals help guide students behavior and academic tasks without having to use verbal redirection all day long. It is easier for the student to see and understand. It is also easier for the adults to use less verbal redirection if the adult can just refer to the visual first. Visual rewards and work systems help students physically see their progress through charts or tokens to reinforce the idea that their efforts are being acknowledged with immediate feedback to strive for rewards as they work toward their goals. With these in place, students know what to do, how much they have to do, when they will be done with their tasks and what comes next.
Visual tools are essential resources that should be implemented across all grade school classrooms to foster a structured and predictable learning environment. They all might look different and they should be tailored to meet the needs of your students (the written word is still a visual). Recognizing the importance of visuals endures that diverse learning needs are being met, making each classroom a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for each student.