The Importance of Visual Literacy

One of the foundation lessons for independent reading is to teach students the three ways to engage with a book:

1. Look closely at the pictures.
2. Read the words.
3. Retell a story you have heard before.

We teach these so students know the various ways to make meaning with text and so that the time they spend during independent reading is worthwhile. Students are not surprised by the fact that reading words is reading, and they understand that retelling a story can be a way to communicate understanding of what took place, but often they are surprised that looking closely at the pictures is also a way to engage with the story. We tell them, “Yes, visual literacy is important! When readers interpret and understand visual information, it enhances comprehension and more.”

Here are four reasons we teach students to look closely at the pictures:

1. Communication: Visual content is a powerful mode of communication. It conveys complex ideas, emotions, and stories that might be challenging to express through words alone. Through visual literacy a reader can better understand the message the creator is trying to convey.
2. Cultural Understanding: Images often carry cultural and historical significance. To grasp the meaning and context of these images is to better understand the culture and history they represent. Paintings, photographs, and other visual arts can provide insight into the values, beliefs, and events of a particular time and place.
3. Critical Thinking: Analyzing images encourages critical thinking. Considering perspective, framing, and visual elements, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of context.
4. Emotional Intelligence: Visual content can evoke strong emotional responses. By reading and understanding images, the reader can better empathize with the emotions and experiences of the characters or individuals in the text.

In an increasingly visual world, where images and videos dominate online and offline media, being visually literate is important. It helps people comprehend, analyze, and create visual content. This skill is relevant for personal enrichment and an increased understanding of the world. Teaching students to look closely at the pictures is important because it enhances their ability to understand and engage with the visual world around them, whether for personal, cultural, or educational reasons. It is a valuable skill that enriches both communication and comprehension.