If you are the parent of a child who is receiving speech therapy, you may be wondering what methods your child’s therapist is using to help them improve their communication skills. One approach that may be used is visual learning, using images and diagrams to help children learn new concepts. There are many benefits to using visual learning in speech therapy, which this post will explore.
In this article we will discuss:
What are Visual Learners?
A visual learner is someone who learns best by seeing information or images. Many people are visual learners, which means that this type of learning can be very effective for a wide range of children. When children are able to see what they are learning, they may be more likely to understand and remember the information.
Some children may be more visual learners than others. If your child is a visual learner, their speech therapist may use more visual aids and demonstrations in therapy. However, all children can benefit from visual learning, even if they are not primarily visual learners.
Visual learning can be especially helpful for children with autism. This is because many children with autism are visual learners. In addition, visual aids can help to structure therapy sessions and provide a way for children with autism to communicate without using words.
Some common visual aids that may be used in speech therapy for children with autism include picture boards, schedules, and social stories. Picture boards can be used to help children with autism learn new vocabulary words. Schedules can help to structure therapy sessions and provide a routine for children with autism. Social stories can help to teach social skills and appropriate behaviors.
Learn how to help visual learner's speech development
Answering questions with images can help all children to better understand the content. For example, yes no visuals and why questions visuals can help to improve a child’s understanding of the content and foster their critical thinking skills.
How to know if your child is a visual learner
There are a few ways to tell if your child is a visual learner. One way is to observe how they learn best. Do they prefer to have information written down or explained to them? Do they like to see pictures or diagrams when learning new concepts? If your child prefers to learn through seeing, they may be a visual learner.
Another way to tell if your child is a visual learner is to ask them directly. You can ask your child how they prefer to learn new information. If they say that they like to see pictures or diagrams, they are likely a visual learner.
How to support visual learners
Visual learners are those who learn best by seeing the information. They often struggle with auditory materials but excel when they can see pictures, diagrams, and other visuals. Using visual aids can help visual learners process and remember information more effectively.
What are visual learners and how do we support them? Try the following strategies:
• Have your child draw pictures or diagrams to help them remember information. For example, they could draw a diagram of the solar system to help them remember the order of the planets.
• Use highlighters or colored pencils to color-code their notes. This is to help them identify important information more easily.
• Help them find infographics or other visual aids online that will help them understand new concepts. For example, an infographic about the water cycle or the food chain.
• Help them study by creating flashcards with pictures or diagrams. For example, they could make flashcards with pictures of different animals and the corresponding classification (mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish).
Benefits of Visual Learning
There are many benefits to using visual aids in speech therapy. Some of the benefits include:
1. Visual learning can improve understanding
When children can see what they are learning, they are more likely to understand the concept. This is especially helpful for complex concepts or ideas that may be difficult to grasp without a visual aid. For example, yes no visuals and wh questions visuals can help children with autism understand simple questions.
2. Visual learning can have greater engagement
Visual aids can help keep children engaged in therapy. If children are bored or not interested in what they are doing, they are less likely to benefit from therapy. However, if they are engaged and interested in the activities, they are more likely to make progress.
3. Visual learning can enhance memory
Visual aids can also help children remember what they have learned. When children see a concept multiple times or see it in different ways, they are more likely to remember it later. This can be especially helpful for new vocabulary words or grammar rules.
4. Visual learning can improve communication
Some children may find it easier to communicate with others when they have visual aids. For example, a child who is learning to identify emotions may find it helpful to use facial expression cards. This can help them learn to label their own emotions and the emotions of others.
5. Visual learning can increase motivation
Visual aids can also be motivating for children. If a child is able to see their progress, they may be more motivated to continue working on their communication skills. For example, if a child is using a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), they may be motivated to use the system to ask for their favorite things.
6. Visual learning can assist non-English speaking children
For children that may not be native English speakers, but are receiving bilingual speech therapy, visual learning can sometimes assist in breaking down that barrier between therapist and child.
There are many benefits to using visual learning in speech therapy. This type of learning can help children understand concepts, remember what they have learned, and even improve their communication skills. If you think your child could benefit from visual learning, talk to their speech therapist about incorporating this approach into therapy.
10 Examples of Visually appealing activities
1. Use picture books
Children can learn a lot from looking at picture books. You can use picture books to teach your child new vocabulary words, concepts, and even grammar rules. To make it more fun, use picture books that have interactive elements, such as flaps or pop-ups. What are visual learners keener to are vibrant and colorful picture books to help keep them more engaged!
2. Play matching games
There are many matching games that you can play with your child to help them learn new information. For example, you could match pictures of animals with the corresponding sound they make. You can even make your own matching games by cutting out pictures from magazines or printed off the computer. Matching colored objects and toys are also great for visual learners!
3. Use flashcards
Flashcards are a great way to help children learn new vocabulary words or practice skills such as counting. You can make your own flashcards or find them online. To support a visual learner, you can also put flashcards around the house. For example, you could put a set of animal flashcards on the fridge and have your child match them up when they are getting a snack! Yes no visuals and wh questions visuals can also come in handy for answering questions.
4. Do puzzles
Puzzles are a fun and engaging way for children to learn new information. For example, you could do a puzzle that helps your child learn the names of the planets. Bigger puzzles can also be a great way to work on fine motor skills plus it’s more challenging and will take longer for the visual learner to complete promoting a sense of achievement.
5. Use coloring pages
Coloring pages are a great way to help children learn new information in a fun and engaging way. For example, you could find a coloring page that teaches your child about the water cycle. Children with autism or other special needs can also benefit from coloring pages. This activity can help them work on fine motor skills and following directions.
6. Watch educational videos
Educational videos can be a great way to introduce new concepts to your child. You can find videos on many different topics online. But be careful! Not all videos are created equal. Make sure to choose videos that are high quality and age-appropriate. Most importantly, prolonged screen time should be balanced with other activities.
7. Go on field trips
Field trips are a great way for children to see things in real life that they are learning about. This can be especially helpful for children who are visual learners. Going to a zoo or museum can help children learn about animals or history in a fun and interactive way.
8. Make homemade books
Homemade books are a great way for children to practice their reading and writing skills. You can make a book about any topic that your child is interested in. For example, you could make a book about animals that live in the ocean. You can even add pictures to the book to help your child learn new vocabulary words.
9. Use apps
There are many educational apps that you can use to help your child learn new information. These apps can be used on a phone, tablet, or computer. For example, there are apps that teach children how to count or read. Some apps even allow you to customize the content to meet your child’s individual needs.
10. Do arts and crafts
Arts and crafts are a great way for children to express their creativity. They can also be used to help children learn new information. For example, you could do a craft that teaches your child about the different parts of a flower. Or you could make a collage of different types of transportation. There are endless possibilities when it comes to arts and crafts!
How to help your child learn visually
There are a few things you can do at home to help your child learn visually.
1. Use visual aids when you are talking to your child. This can help your child pay attention and understand what you are saying. For example, if you are teaching your child about emotions, you could use facial expression cards. You can also use yes no visuals and wh questions visuals to help your child answer questions.
2. Read books with lots of pictures to your child. This can help them learn new vocabulary words and concepts.
3. Use flashcards to review information with your child. You can make your own flashcards or purchase them online or at a local store.
4. Encourage your child to draw pictures. This can help them express their ideas and thoughts. It can also be a fun way to review information.
5. Help your child make a visual schedule. This can help them know what to expect and stay on track.
Do you still have questions about what are visual learners? There are many ways you can help your child learn visually. At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
About the Author
Mikee Larrazabal
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with 14 years of experience working with children and adults who have communication difficulties. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science at Cebu Doctors' University and have been helping people overcome their communication challenges ever since.
I have worked with individuals of different ages, including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, adults and seniors. I'm passionate about speech therapy and take great satisfaction in helping people overcome their communication challenges and improve their lives through better communication skills. In my spare time I like reading books, going hiking in nature and taking care of my dog Locas.
