Bookmark these sites!
We know that photographic images are more meaningful and easier for children to understand versus a black and white image, which is why I love these two websites: Photographic Dictionary and InsideStory Flashcards. There are so many ideas and applications that I have buzzing around my head for these sites that I am sure you can add to my list.
PHOTOGRAPHIC DICTIONARY:
WHAT IS IT?
The name says it all: this is a dictionary that uses photographs.
WHY I LOVE IT:
- It is alphabetized at the top, so it is easy to narrow down pictures.
- Photographs are also categorized into overall categories (e.g. foods) and then optionally broken down even further (fruit, vegetables, drinks, grains, nuts and seeds etc.)
- A brief description or definition accompanies colorful photographs.
- There is a ‘rhyme’ section with photographs.
HOW DO I USE IT?
- Articulation practice: Name the photographs, use a sentence to describe the photos or create a long story using all of the photos!
- Increase semantic skills by categorizing… a lot of the grouping work has already been done for you! This is easy to extend by giving the function of the object (if applicable), asking what else goes with the photograph
- Increase your vocabulary by using adjectives to describe the bright, colorful photographs.
- Work on sequencing skills and tell a funny story using the photographs in a sequential fashion.
- Increase phonological awareness skills by using the rhyming pictures.
INSIDESTORY FLASHCARDS:
WHAT IS IT?
A site that allows you to print photographic flashcards.
WHY I LOVE IT:
- Categorizes vocabulary into: basic, easy, medium and hard vocabulary. The ‘medium’ section is particularly great for grades 7-12.
- The picture tells you what part of speech it is, you can hear a pronunciation, a definition is provided and a sentence using the word.
HOW DO I USE IT?
- To search for photographic images to use as flashcards.
- Save photographic images into Powerpoint slides for easy to use programs.
- Work on sequencing skills and tell a funny story using the photographs in a sequential fashion.
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