Visual aids can be used to add color to an English lesson and can help to bring literature more alive. They can also be particularly useful for non-English speakers who are trying to learn English. There are many ways to use visual aids, so there should be no reason for any student to say that a lesson was dull. Enthusiasm, combined with interesting and diverse teaching methods, will motivate a student to learn more.

1

Use DVDs as a way of enlivening an English lesson. A good film adaptation of a classic piece of English literature can be utilized, in DVD form, to complement a novel. The movie can underline dramatic parts of the book and provoke students into having an even greater understanding of the novel's characters, story and meaning. DVDs with subtitles can also be used to instruct adult non-English speaking people in learning English, while showing important aspects of how to settle in a new country.

2

Teach very young children and adult non-English speakers to learn words with the help of images. The connection between a photograph or picture will make it easier to retain the interest of students and consequently increase their chances of learning. For small children, use images of animals and birds. This can be a method to also help a child understand the alphabet by beginning with A for anteater and ending with Z for zebra. For a class of adult non-English speakers, use images, via slides, which are going to be relevant to their lives. These can be images of traditions, foods and nature, for instance, all designed to give them a greater understanding of their adopted country. Posters of movie stars can then be used to question the students as to what English films the actor or actress appeared in.

3

Bring objects to an English lesson. Objects are a way in which students of all ages and capabilities can be stimulated into learning English. For older students learning about English literature, bring along an item of clothing from the period a novel was set in. Just a simple item can stir the imagination of a class. For non-English speakers, it will be useful to bring household items along, from a broom to cutlery. Ask the class to name each item in English. For small children, toys are sure to gain a response.