The rapid response information series for schools
on development issues in the news

Tune Into the News
The introductory edition of Global express

How to develop pupils' visual literacy

The following examples are taken from Tune into the News, the introductory edition of Global express. They aim to help pupils begin to understand how images are selected to create certain effects, and encourage their skills of observation, interpr etation of evidence and empathy. Each one can be used in relation to future topical issues with the provision of one or two appropriate photos fro m newspapers.

Cropping/masking

Reveal only part of a photo. Pupils try to describe it or predict what the rest looks like; then reveal more. This works best with photos containing some kind of contrast or surprise.

Extend the picture

A photo can be mounted onto a larger sheet of paper. Pupils continue the image by drawing what they think is outside what they can see.

Questioning

If pupils could speak to the people in the photo (if any) or to the photographer, what questions would they like to ask? The photo can be mounted on a larger sheet of paper, with the questions written round it.

The above are only examples of the activities included in Tune into the News which also includes photocopiable worksheets for Key Stages 2 and 3.

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This site is under construction.It will be regularly updated. GLO is written by Alison Norris from ODEC and Anne Strachan from Manchester DEP. Please send suggestions about the site to Alison.