Talking about pictures

Talking about a picture

Choose interesting pictures which include many details and which may raise some questions. Sit students in pairs. In each pair one student asks questions about the image and the other answers. Then do a second round with another image where the roles in each pair are reversed. Provide the questions for the students to use:

1.       What do you see in the picture?

2.       Why do you think the characters are doing what they are doing?

3.       What is the atmosphere like in this picture?

4.       What do you think happened before this picture was taken?

5.       What do you think is going to happen next?

Lesson Plan: Using Pictures in the ESL Classroom (A2 CEFR Level)

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to describe and discuss pictures using appropriate vocabulary, grammar structures, and sentence patterns at the A2 CEFR level.

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

Materials:

• A variety of pictures (e.g., landscapes, people, objects, activities)

• Whiteboard and markers

• Handouts with picture descriptions (optional)

Warm-up (5 minutes):

1. Display a picture on the board or distribute handouts with different pictures to each student.

2. Ask students to describe the picture they have or the one displayed, using simple sentences.

3. Encourage students to share their descriptions with a partner or in small groups.

Introduction (5 minutes):

1. Explain that in today's lesson, we will focus on using pictures to describe and discuss different topics.

2. Discuss the importance of visual aids in communication and how pictures can enhance language learning.

Vocabulary Building (10 minutes):

1. Introduce new vocabulary related to the pictures by writing the words on the board.

2. Use visual prompts or gestures to help students understand the meaning of each word.

3. Practice pronunciation and drill the new vocabulary as a class.

Picture Description (15 minutes):

1. Display a picture on the board or distribute handouts with different pictures to each student.

2. Model how to describe the picture using complete sentences, focusing on different aspects such as people, objects, activities, and locations.

3. Provide sentence frames or prompts to support students in creating their own descriptions.

4. In pairs or small groups, students take turns describing their pictures using the vocabulary and sentence structures they have learned.

Pair Work: Comparing Pictures (10 minutes):

1. Give each pair of students two different pictures.

2. Instruct them to compare and contrast the pictures, discussing similarities and differences.

3. Encourage students to use comparative structures (e.g., This picture has more trees than that picture).

4. Monitor and provide feedback as necessary.

Group Discussion: Picture Interpretation (15 minutes):

1. Display a picture that allows for different interpretations or can evoke various emotions.

2. In small groups, ask students to discuss and share their interpretations of the picture.

3. Encourage them to support their ideas with reasons and examples.

4. Facilitate a whole-class discussion, allowing students to present their group's interpretations.

Wrap-up (5 minutes):

1. Recap the main points covered in the lesson.

2. Discuss the benefits of using pictures to enhance communication skills.

3. Assign a follow-up task, such as writing a short paragraph describing a picture at home.

Extension Activity (optional):

1. Ask students to bring their favorite pictures from home.

2. Have a gallery walk where students display their pictures and explain their significance to their classmates.

Assessment: Observe and assess students' participation in the picture description, pair work, and group discussion activities. Assess their ability to use appropriate vocabulary, sentence structures, and accurate descriptions.