How frequently do you use the phrase, “Show me,” or “Take a look,” or “I see”?  These phrases may have become so common in our daily communication because most of us are visual learners. When we use images, video, graphs, maps, or demonstrations to learn something new, we are visual learners.

 

As early childhood educators, we may be accustomed to accommodating to different learning styles in our work with children, but these same concepts apply to adults.  Research in educational theory and cognitive psychology indicates that visual learning is among the best methods for teaching both children and adults. This means that professional development materials for teachers should also be responsive to visual learners.

 

Pre-K Storypath© is one example of a professional development resource that supports visual learning. Pre-K Storypath is a supplemental curriculum that supports teachers in their goals to develop children’s language and literacy, build positive school-family relationships, scaffold children’s cognitive development, and practice authentic assessment.

 

Visual learners benefit from Pre-K Storypath’s innovative InGraphics™ format. Similar to a graphic novel, InGraphics™ teacher’s guides present a story in a sequence of realistic illustrations. The illustrated story is a model of teachers implementing curriculum and demonstrating best practice in their classroom.

 

The InGraphics™ story motivates readers to continue reading to find out what happens next. This visual format is especially appealing to young adults who came of age in a digital world. And InGraphics™ materials are culturally relevant—People of color see themselves mirrored in the culturally diverse characters.

 

The hybrid combination of visuals and text improves comprehension, especially for teachers who are learning English as a second language. The reader is able to slow down, review, skim, and skip. The images deepen understanding by providing details and context not included in text.

 

Take a look!

 

 

 Each Pre-K Storypath unit is based on a child-centered dramatic play scenario:

Post written by Ann Gadzikowski.  Ann Gadzikowski, a graduate of the Erikson Institute, is an early childhood administrator and consultant in the Chicago area. She is the author of Story Dictation: A Guide for Early Childhood Professionals (Redleaf Press) and teaches early childhood education courses at Oakton Community College.