How to teach picture-based speaking

Level: A2

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to describe and discuss pictures, express their opinions, and engage in conversations using visual prompts.

• The activities in this lesson plan can be used separately in different lessons.

Warm-up (5 minutes): Display a captivating picture on the board or use a projector. Ask the students to silently observe the picture for a minute. Then, elicit general observations and encourage the students to share their initial thoughts and feelings about the picture.

Introduction to Picture-Based Speaking (10 minutes): Explain to the students that pictures can serve as excellent prompts for speaking activities. Discuss how visuals can stimulate imagination, evoke emotions, and facilitate conversations. Emphasize that describing and discussing pictures can improve their vocabulary, fluency, and communication skills.

Vocabulary Introduction (10 minutes): Introduce relevant vocabulary that can be used to describe pictures. It may be general descriptive vocabulary or it may be specific to a chosen picture. Select words that are appropriate for the student's level. Write the words on the board, say them aloud, and have the students repeat them after you. Provide explanations and examples for each word.

Example vocabulary:

1. Background - הרקע (Hebrew), الخلفية (Arabic)                                                                      6. Objects - עצמים (Hebrew), الأشياء (Arabic)

2. Foreground - התמונה הקדמית (Hebrew), المقدمة (Arabic)                                                     7. Actions - פעולות (Hebrew), الأفعال (Arabic)

3. Describe - לתאר (Hebrew), يصف (Arabic)                                                                             8. Opinion - דעה (Hebrew), رأي (Arabic)

4. Colors - צבעים (Hebrew), الألوان (Arabic)                                                                               9. Guess - לנחש (Hebrew), يخمن (Arabic)

5. Emotions - רגשות (Hebrew), العواطف (Arabic)                                                                       10. Conversation - שיחה (Hebrew), محادثة (Arabic)

Picture Description Activity (15 minutes): Distribute individual copies of different pictures to each student or project multiple pictures around the classroom. Instruct the students to choose one picture that catches their attention. Ask them to describe the picture in detail, using the vocabulary introduced earlier. Encourage them to include information about the background, foreground, colors, objects, and emotions portrayed in the picture.

Pair Work - Picture Comparison (15 minutes): Divide the students into pairs. Instruct each pair to exchange their chosen pictures. Encourage them to discuss and compare the two pictures, pointing out similarities and differences. Encourage the use of comparative language, such as "more/less," "similar/different," and "better/worse." Encourage students to express their opinions about which picture they find more interesting or appealing.

Group Discussion - Picture Interpretation (15 minutes): Form small groups of 3-4 students. Provide each group with a thought-provoking or ambiguous picture. Instruct the groups to analyze and interpret the picture, discussing possible stories, scenarios, or emotions depicted. Encourage students to support their interpretations with evidence from the picture. After the discussion, ask each group to share their interpretations with the class.

Wrap-up (5 minutes): Lead a whole-class discussion about the benefits of using pictures as prompts for speaking activities. Ask students to share their experiences, challenges, and favorite moments from the lesson. Highlight the importance of observing, analyzing, and discussing visuals to enhance communication skills.

Optional Extension Activity: Encourage students to create their own picture prompts and exchange them with a partner or another group for future speaking activities.