What might be included in visuals and realia to support learning?

Visuals and realia play a crucial role in supporting learning, particularly for English learners, by providing tangible context and meaningful associations with the material being taught. Real-world objects and images help students connect concepts with their everyday experiences, facilitating comprehension and retention of new information.

For example, using images of common items, like fruits or clothing, alongside actual objects can enhance vocabulary acquisition and cultural understanding. This approach engages learners more actively and encourages interactive learning, as students can relate visual representations and physical objects to their own experiences and backgrounds.

In contrast, complex charts, mathematical formulas, and standardized test questions, while potentially useful in other contexts, often lack the immediacy and relevance of realia. These elements can be abstract and may not resonate as well with students, particularly if they are still developing language skills or if the material is not directly linked to their lived experiences. Therefore, incorporating real-world objects and images is a powerful strategy to foster learning and support language development among English learners.