Pictures and words can work together — Language, 4–6
A picture can show what words describe, while words can explain what a picture cannot show clearly. Together they can make a message easier to follow.
The idea
Pictures and words can share the job of telling you something. A picture of a hand points out the object, and the word “wash” tells you what action to take. Neither part gives the whole message alone.
Why it helps
People combine pictures and words when one way of showing something might be unclear. A picture is quick to recognise, while words can add names, steps or important details. This is useful when many people need the same message.
Try it
Look at a picture of a red cup beside a blue cup, with the words “Put the spoon in the red cup.” First use the words to find the action: put. Then use the picture and the colour word to choose the right cup. Finally, place the spoon there.
A common trap
You may look only at the picture and guess the message. That is reasonable because pictures can seem to show everything at once. But a picture of a cup cannot tell you whether to wash it, fill it or move it, so read the words too.
Where you use it
You see pictures with words on food packets, maps, toy instructions and museum labels. When you follow a picture recipe, the image shows what the finished step may look like and the words tell you what to do.
Keep exploring
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