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Why Pictures Matter - Using Visual Aids to Enhance Reading Comprehension
- Angela Comer-Lam
- Aug 19, 2025
- 2 min read
July 28th, 2025
After so many years teaching children to read, I can honestly say that pictures and illustrations are some of the most powerful tools we have in helping children understand and enjoy books. Whether your child is two or thirteen, using visual aids can make reading come alive in new and exciting ways!
Why Are Visuals So Important?
Children are naturally drawn to pictures. Illustrations don’t just decorate the page—they expand the story, offering important clues and extra details that words alone might not capture. For children who are still building their reading confidence or learning new vocabulary, visuals can bridge the gap and boost their understanding.
How to Use Pictures and Illustrations When Reading
1. Take a Picture Walk
Before you start reading, flip through the pages together and just look at the pictures. Ask your child what they notice, what they think might happen, or who the main characters are. With younger children, you might ask, “What do you see?” or “What do you think this story is about?” With older children, try, “How do these images set the mood for the story?”
2. Pause and Look Closely
As you read, pause on pages with rich illustrations. Encourage your child to describe what they see, make predictions, or explain what’s happening in the pictures. Often, kids will notice something you might have missed!
3. Connect Pictures to Words
If your child gets stuck on a word or passage, suggest they look at the picture for clues. For early readers, this helps them decode new words. For older kids, it’s a great way to check their understanding of more complex scenes or emotions.
4. Talk About the Artist’s Choices
With children of any age, you can ask questions like, “Why do you think the illustrator used those colors?” or “How do the characters’ faces show what they’re feeling?” This not only supports comprehension but also builds visual literacy.
5. Encourage Drawing
Invite your child to draw their own picture about the story or illustrate their favorite scene. This is a wonderful way to help them process what they’ve read and express their understanding creatively.
Visuals Aren’t Just for Little Kids
Even older children and tweens benefit from visual aids! Graphic novels, detailed diagrams, and maps in non-fiction books are fantastic for supporting comprehension and making information clearer. Don’t hesitate to explore these formats with your child as they grow.
In all my years of teaching, I’ve seen how a single picture can spark a conversation, clear up confusion, or ignite a child’s imagination. The next time you sit down to read, take a little extra time to explore the visuals together—you might be surprised by what you both discover!
If you have any questions or want book recommendations that make the most of illustrations, just reply—I’m always here to help.
And stay tuned for August’s newsletters, where I’ll be sharing All About Developing Writing Skills.
Warm regards,
Angela
Easy English for Kids
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