Everyone has a different style of learning and English as a Second Language students are no different. Studies show that there are roughly six different learning styles that most people use to assimilate information effectively. The categories are defined as auditory learning, visual learners, tactile learners, kinesthetic learners, global learners and analytic learners. ESL students often benefit from lessons that use visual learning aids to help them associate a known object with new vocabulary and concepts. Many teachers use pictures in the form of simple flashcards to help ESL students create a strong mental link to the new words they learn.

Select a magazine that has pictures of the vocabulary words you wish to teach in your lesson. For example, a restaurant review magazine may have useful pictures for a lesson on dining out.

Cut out the pictures representing the vocabulary words you plan to teach and paste them to the index cards. Use one picture per card.

Write the vocabulary word on the back of each index card.

Present each index card to the students one at a time.

Say the vocabulary word you want them to associate with the picture. This reinforces the learning by adding an auditory component.

Ask the students to repeat the vocabulary word while looking at the picture.

Repeat the "say and repeat" exercise three times for each card.

Hold up one of the index cards and ask one of the students or the group to tell you what the picture represents.