How to Make Photo Vocabulary Flash Cards as Language Class Project
Use personalized photo flash cards to keep your language students interested in practicing their vocabulary. Instead of boring flash cards with a language vocabulary word on one side and a definition written on the other one, show your students how to make their own, personal flash cards. Using photographs of the students and their friends gives them creative control and allows them to take ownership in the class. Also, using the flash cards to practice is more fun, and the visuals will be easier to remember at test time. This is a good project for Spanish, French or any language class, but it can also be revised for any vocabulary needed in any core content.
Things You'll Need
- Index cards in bright colors (4 by 6 or larger)
- Permanent markers Cameras (digital or one-time-use)
- Photo paper for printers
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions
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Assign a list of vocabulary for your students. See the Tips section for variations on this project using groups instead of individuals. This works best with basic vocabulary like nouns and verbs. It is more difficult to show past and future tenses using this project. It is also difficult to show intangible ideas (love, peace, business), although it might be relevant for more advanced students.
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Have each student write the vocabulary word on one side of the index card. Use colored markers and encourage thicker letters, like "bubble" letters. Tell students they may decorate the words with designs or many colors. This creates a stronger visual link when studying. Another option is to cut out letters from magazines "ransom note" style.
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Assign each student a simple digital camera or one-time-use film camera. Instruct them to photograph a scene, object or person that obviously demonstrates the meaning of the word. For example, a Spanish vocabulary word "cocinar" means "to cook." The student could photograph a friend cooking at a stove. Encourage them to be as creative as possible. Show them how to use the self-timer and a tripod with the digital cameras so they can photograph themselves.
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When students return to class, upload their photographs to a computer. Print out 4 by 6 images of the photographs on photo paper. Ask the students to cut out and trim their photos. To save money, you can print photos on plain white paper instead of photo paper.
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Glue the matching photo to the back of the vocabulary flash cards. When finished, the students will have a set of language flash cards with the vocabulary word on one side and a photograph illustrating the meaning on the other. Give students class time to share flash cards and study with the new visual aids.
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Tips & Warnings
This may be done as a group project, but be sure each student in the group makes her own set of flash cards.
Another option is to assign a portion of the vocabulary list (10 to 15 words) to each small group. When the project is over, the class compiles their flash cards so each person has a full set. This is great for the first week of class as an ice-breaker with students.
Use your professional judgment on whether to allow students to leave class with the cameras. The most creative photos are taken outside of the school environment, but some classes cannot handle this responsibility. Always encourage students to use their own digital cameras when possible.
Be sure students understand that all inappropriate photos must be deleted from their personal cameras before you upload the photos for printing. Use disciplinary actions for obvious rule breakers.
