Effective Use of Visual Aids

Children of the 21st century are part of a visual generation.Video games, computers, internet and television are just some of the visual stimulation children experience every day of their lives. It is more likely that children will watch a movie than read a book.

WHY ?It is so important that our children discover the truths conveyed in simple Bible stories. But if we bore them to tears, they won't hear us or the message our stories carry. We must grab their attention and convey the message effectively if we want them to grasp the truth we love.

Get a visual of your class listening and learning and in that visual, you'll be using good visuals. But hold everything.

I know how busy just living life can be these days. Maybe you've asked, “With so many balls to juggle everyday, is adding visuals to my class really necessary? I would have to answer with a resounding, “Yes. Visuals are necessary. Visuals play a vital role in impacting your audience.”

If you want to make Bible stories come alive, then you need to use visuals.

01. God used visuals throughout the Bible. Book of Ezekiel - the object lesson book of the Bible Matthew 13 : 1- 9 - The parable of the Sower The parable of the Weeds John 4 - woman at the well for a drink of water.

02. Visuals unlock understanding.• Matthew 13 : 1- 9 - The parable of the Sower Visuals help you teach for understanding. The old adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” really is true.

03. Visuals aid memory retention by using another of the five senses.¡ Learning is a multi-sensory process. Kinetic learners need to touch and feel in the learning process, while visual learners need to see it to understand.

We retain 10% of what we HEAR. We retain 20% of what we READ. We retain 30% of what we SEE. We retain 50% of what we SEE and HEAR. We retain 70% of what we SAY. We retain 90% of what we SAY and DO.

04. Visuals add variety to your class.Variety is the spice of life. Add some variety and spice to your class with good visuals.¡

05. Jump start your creativity.

Visuals really work. So before your next class get a good visual and then your visualization of the look of understanding on their faces will be more than a dream.

How to choose and use visual aids ?

Visual aids can be a valuable tool in your lesson, but they can also just be a distraction or even teach false doctrine or misconceptions. It is important, regardless of the ages of your students, to be selective when you choose pictures to illustrate your lesson.

1. Try to use only pictures you find in the ward library. – Kidsreach Library2. When you must use outside pictures, study them carefully for appropriateness.3. Avoid any signs of fantasy in your pictures.4. Remind small children that we don't really know what the people in the scriptures look like.5. Don't use too many pictures.6. Discuss the pictures with young children.7. Place the pictures in the order you will be discussing them. 8. Get help from your children.9. Be sure you are familiar with the picture before you use it.

Some of the visual aids available are:• The blackboard or whiteboard • Objects • Activity sheets for colouring• Teachers own gestures and tone of voice etc.• DVDs and videos• Flannel graph boards• Flash cards and other pictures• Clowning• Drama• Illusions• Puppets• Craft work• Children's picture book• Children's own paintings and drawings• Posters• Bulletin Boards• Prayer Books• Photo boards• Large Bible Maps• Hall Decorations• Overhead projector• Digital projector• Video camera and projection