Duration: 90 minutes
Objective: Equip learners with practical strategies to interpret workplace graphics, including charts, maps, symbols, diagrams, and tables.
Time * Activity * Materials Needed
0-10 min
Introduction & Warm-up – Discuss the importance of workplace graphic literacy and key skills.
Whiteboard, markers
10-25 min
Interpreting Graphs & Charts – Learners analyze workplace data in charts and tables to extract key trends.
Sample workplace graphs, highlighters
Choose One:
25-40 min
Reading Workplace Icons & Symbols – Learners identify and explain common symbols in workplace signage and documents.
Workplace icon flashcards, pens
40-55 min
Inferring Information from Visuals – Learners examine diagrams and maps to extract implied meaning and instructions.
Workplace maps, sticky notes
55-75 min
Following Instructions with Graphics – Learners follow workplace diagrams or flowcharts to complete a task.
Assembly guides, workplace instructions
75-90 min
Real-World Application & Group Discussion – Learners review industry-specific graphics and discuss how to apply literacy skills effectively.
Sample workplace manuals, discussion worksheets
Assessment: Mini quiz or discussion prompts to reinforce learning.
Interactive Elements: Pair or group work to encourage collaboration.
Takeaway Resources: Printable graphic literacy guides for continued learning.
This session can be customized based on workplace needs.
Student Supply Tote
Each class should have a student supply tote to include:
Laptops or iPads with Conversion Calculator: Length, temperature, area, volume, weight, and time.
Different types of paper
Caddy - One per Learning Center to contain:
Calculators (Scientific)
Protractor
Compass
Hole Punch
Scissors
Rulers
Scale (digital/spring)
Stopwatch or Timer
Colored Markers
Black Permanent Marker
(36 ct. +/-) Crayons
(12 ct. +/-) Coloring Pencils
Pencils/Eraser
Pens (black or blue)
Hot Glue Gun/ pie pan
Glue Sticks
Elmer’s Glue
Super Glue
Tape Measure
Transparent tape
Masking Tape
Double-sided tape
Duct Tape
Erase Board/Pen/Eraser
Estimated Time Needed by Activity Type
Interpreting Graphs & Charts 20-30 minutes
Labeling Visual Information (Diagrams) 15-25 minutes
Reading Workplace Icons & Symbols 10-20 minutes
Analyzing Floor Plans & Maps 25-35 minutes
Following Instructions with Graphics 30-45 minutes
Comparing Visual Data (Tables & Charts) 20-30 minutes
Inferring Information from Visuals 30-45 minutes
For a structured session, a mix of activities, including discussion and reflection, can be completed in 60-90 minutes. If learners work independently, time may vary based on their visual processing skills.
You will also need a student supply tote.
Interpreting Graphs & Charts
Workplace Data Charts – Printed or digital versions of bar graphs, line charts, and pie charts
Spreadsheet Software (Optional) – Excel, Google Sheets for digital data analysis
Highlighters & Pens – For marking trends, comparisons, and key data points
Labeling Visual Information (Diagrams)
Technical Workplace Diagrams – Flowcharts, circuit diagrams, machinery blueprints
Labeling Sheets – Blank worksheets for diagram annotation activities
Markers & Sticky Notes – For highlighting sections and adding interpretations
Reading Workplace Icons & Symbols
Workplace Signage Examples – Safety symbols, hazard indicators, directional icons
Sorting Cards – Workplace symbol identification exercises
Reference Guides – Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) symbol sheets
Analyzing Floor Plans & Maps
Workplace Floor Plans – Blueprints for office layouts, factory workflows, evacuation routes
Directional Markers – Arrows, labels for movement-based navigation exercises
Scenario Cards – Role-play exercises requiring map-based navigation
Following Instructions with Graphics
Assembly Guides – Workplace process sheets with step-by-step visuals
Task-related Materials – Office supplies, small tools for practical execution
Instruction Cards – Flowcharts or visual guides for specific workplace actions
Comparing Visual Data (Tables & Charts)
Workplace Data Tables – Inventory sheets, payroll reports, production schedules
Sorting Trays – Exercises for categorizing numerical and graphical data
Math Reference Guides – Quick charts for workplace calculations involving graphical data
Inferring Information from Visuals
Case Studies with Graphics – Workplace scenarios requiring deeper analysis of images and data
Discussion Worksheets – Prompts to encourage reasoning and inference from visuals
Markers & Annotation Tools – For identifying key details in workplace diagrams
Special Thanks to Microsoft CoPilot for the curriculum suggestions, lesson plan structure and logistics for all seven levels of Graphic Literacy.