, Why can a picture be a good resource to use to teach Foundation/Intermediate phase English FAL
learners about cultural diversity? How can you use the picture above to teach/help learners improve
literacy skills? What benefits would using the above picture have in helping to improve literacy skills
and intercultural awareness in Foundation/Intermediate phase English FAL learners in South African
classrooms
In South Africa's linguistically diverse classrooms, teaching English to young learners who
speak other languages at home poses significant challenges. Many students struggle to
comprehend written texts, hindering their academic progress. To address this, teachers
employ multimodal approaches, incorporating visual aids like pictures to facilitate learning.
This essay explores the potential of pictures in teaching cultural diversity, improving literacy
skills, and promoting intercultural awareness. By examining the role of pictures in the
classroom, we can better understand how to support English language learners and foster a
more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment.
Pictures are valuable resources in the classroom, especially for learners who struggle with
written language. They help learners understand complex concepts and ideas in a simple
and visual way. According to Omodan and Ige (2021), pictures can foster an appreciation of
diversity from a young age, promoting inclusivity and respect for different cultures. The
picture celebrating South African cultural heritage is a great example of how visual
resources can spark meaningful discussions. It can lead to conversations about cultural
practices, values, and identities, helping learners understand and appreciate their own
culture and those of their peers (Steenkamp, 2021). This, in turn, builds a classroom
environment that values cultural exchange and promotes social cohesion.
By using pictures, teachers can create a safe and inclusive space for learners to share their
thoughts and ideas. This encourages active participation, critical thinking, and creativity,
essential skills for learners to succeed in a diverse and globalized world (Venketsamy &
Sibanda, 2021). Moreover, pictures can help learners develop empathy and understanding,
breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions about different cultures. By incorporating
pictures into their teaching practices, educators can promote a culture of inclusivity,
respect, and understanding in the classroom.
The picture can also improve literacy skills. The picture can enhance literacy skills in several
ways. By asking students to describe what they see, teachers encourage observation skills,
vocabulary development, and critical thinking (Venketsamy & Sibanda, 2021). This activity
helps learners develop their writing skills as they write descriptive sentences about the
image. Additionally, the picture can inspire storytelling, allowing learners to create
narratives about the cultural elements depicted. This activity fosters creativity, imagination,
and writing skills, essential for literacy development.
