Why use visuals?
- Visuals are permanent – they last longer than words, can be put on display and made available as information for everybody.
- Visuals can be referred to over and over again – if the information is available in a visual display children can refer to the display instead of asking questions or interrupting others, developing their independence and organisation skills.
- Visuals can include multiple items – if the choices or options are on display, the events of the day in sequence, or the list of items required for a task can be seen, children don’t need to rely on memory skills.
- Visuals encourage independence – as children learn to use them, they can rely on adults less for support.
- Visuals can model behaviour – children can be shown the expectations for a task or activity and modify their behaviour accordingly.
- Visuals can prepare children for changes – displaying the events and activities planned for the day can prepare children for what to expect, where to be and how to be prepared.
- Visuals can help children prepare for changes – knowing how much time is available or when there will be a change in activity can help alleviate the anxiety some children feel about their school day and their ability to manage all the tasks and activities provided for them.
ShowMe Images provide a huge range of highly engaging images that can be used in a range of visual communication tools. You can use them to create behaviour plans, visual schedules, communications books, work sheets, posters, teaching and learning materials, charts and displays, flash cards, games and activities – the possibilities are endless!
ShowMe Images can be used with a range of programs and on a range of devices. You can insert them into Word documents or PowerPoint presentations or load them onto tablets and use them with various apps.
ShowMe Images are currently available as an introductory Education Essentials collection. This set contains over 500 images, plus free templates, on a handy USB flash drive to get you started in your classroom or early learning setting.
This short video shows you some example images in each category of the Education Essentials collection.
We hope you love using these images as much as we do, and we’ll be excited to receive your feedback about our product in our survey.