ESL Photo Dictionaries

Procedure:
1. Present a list of classroom vocabulary to the class.
2. Ask students to locate the nouns on the list and identify them in the classroom.
3. Instruct students to take a photograph of each item.
4. Elicit a list of verbs and commands used in the classroom.
5. Have students work in pairs to take photographs depicting these words or commands.
6. Students download photos into word documents, arranged in postcard size formats. Students insert photo with the vocabulary word.
7. Students print cards and place them alphabetically in an album.
8. Students share cards with classmates and use them for reinforcement of terms.

This lesson can be used for any unit of vocabulary, but it is especially useful with ESL students at the start of a school year. It allows them to be actively involved in their own vocabulary development.