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Elevating English Proficiency through Visual Literacy

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This is a guest post by Tara Benwell, VP of Publishing at Ellii.

You can find Ellii among the exhibitors at the 2025 Literacy Texas Annual Conference.

Visual literacy is an essential life skill that complements language learning. Emily Bryson, a graphic facility expert and guest blogger with Ellii, is a strong proponent of the power of visuals. Emily frequently reminds educators how much of the information we encounter each day comes from images, symbols, signs, and diagrams.

In English language classrooms, fostering visual literacy is key to helping students navigate and understand the world around them. Visual literacy helps learners to:

  • understand main ideas from pictures before reading
  • grasp complex processes through diagrams
  • use online platforms or apps by recognizing icons
  • stay safe by interpreting signs and symbols
  • analyze meaning, think critically, and discuss opinions
  • inspire curiosity and exploration
  • communicate creatively
  • share information effectively

Did you know that Ellii originally started as a library of images? Before it was known as ESL Library—and later, Ellii—teachers subscribed to ESL Images. While teaching English in Japan, Ellii’s founder, Ben Buckwold, relied on visuals to support his lessons. When he couldn’t find the simple, engaging imagery he needed, he created his own library. You can hear the full origin story of Ellii on this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast.

Today, Ellii is both an LMS and a content library full of ready-made lessons, courses, and visuals to keep language learners engaged, especially in those crucial emerging levels. Ellii’s Media Gallery offers a comprehensive collection of high-quality images and videos to help teachers elicit, teach, and reinforce vocabulary and grammar structures as well as spark engagement and interaction in the classroom. And the best part? The content was created specifically for ELLs.

Here are four types of visuals Ellii suggests experimenting with to elevate English proficiency:

1. Flashcards

Over the years, countless marketing experts have tried to convince Ben that the concept of a “flashcard” is outdated. However, Ellii’s founder strongly believes in classic teaching tools, including printable lessons and images, and our friends at Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUPA) agree. At a recent TESOL session, Ventures author Gretchen Bitterlin recommended sending flashcard sets home in an envelope to help promote family literacy.

Today’s flashcards are not just printable images. Many platforms, including Ellii, offer digital vocabulary images with audio support and gamification features to go along with digital (or printable) lessons. At Ellii, flashcards are created specifically for English learners by real illustrators who understand the importance of simple, iconic imagery. Teachers can edit the text that goes with these 5,000+ images, making them a practical tool in bilingual programs or for leveling vocabulary up or down in a multilevel setting. Teachers can even get creative and make their own conversation question sets!

Flashcard Library on Ellii

2. Photo Prompts

Why do you think the popular Ventures series starts each unit with a scene called The Big Picture? CUPA author Donna Price often pulls out these detailed image scenes during teacher training sessions to reinforce the power of an image in eliciting language. Each Big Picture scene includes a critical incident, activating students’ prior knowledge and creating opportunities for thematic discussion.

Ellii does something similar with its That’s News to Me section using real photos or videos from The Associated Press. There is also a full section of Photo Prompts that can be used for a variety of activities from vocabulary building to critical thinking. As Emily Bryson points out on the Ellii blog, “Using just one image, students are prompted to describe the photo, make predictions, research the history… explore reasons” and more.

Photo Prompts on Ellii

Language Scenes are a tried-and-true method for eliciting vocabulary and assessing grammar knowledge, helping teachers identify new students’ levels and needs at intake. For the lowest-level learners, including adults preparing for CASAS STEPS, identifying vocabulary through visuals is something emerging learners need to practice in order to demonstrate proficiency.

3. Silent Clips & Video Lessons

“Sometimes the best way to get a conversation going is to stay silent,” says Emily. Silent Clips are a great way to introduce and review tricky words, including action verbs, emotions, and workplace vocabulary.

Silent Clips on Ellii

And if you want to keep your students truly engaged, video lessons are the number one recommendation, especially in those no-phone classroom zones where students are likely craving more screen time. Over the last few years, Ellii has built up its video library to include 600+ ESL videos, reinforcing everything from grammar targets and pronunciation to life and workplace skills.

4. AI-Generated Imagery

Does AI-generated imagery have a place in ELT? While Ellii is sticking with its human illustrators and photographers for now, there are countless activities that teachers and students can do to hone their prompt-engineering skills. From creating 3D dolls to spotting AI-generated errors, the language opportunities are endless. And, as Caitlin Thomas of National Geographic Learning pointed out at TESOL 2025, “AI fluency is the new digital literacy.” Have some fun! We are!

Ellii plays with AI-generated images

What Literacy Teachers Are Saying about Ellii

"Ellii is the one resource that I recommend to every new teacher. It has a wide range of materials for different student needs. Daily, I use flashcards for my newcomers and the academic resources with my higher levels. Ellii has innovated so much in the past few years and continues to improve the resources available."
Lynn
"Ellii offers great collections to use as an additional resource for younger English learners. The Word Bank lessons can be used to enhance vocabulary and language acquisition and begin the foundations for writing. My students have thoroughly enjoyed the Phonics Stories this year, and flashcards help to facilitate great discussions! A parent of one of my students has even started using Ellii to help with everyday tasks. "
Anon

More #Love4Ellii

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Who you gonna call? A librarian!

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Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker

Author: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas Executive Director

Life was pretty lonely for me in 2022 while I was finishing my doctorate and preparing for the final defense of my dissertation. Everyone else in my friend group is cool and fun, so while they watched football and drank beer at the local pizza parlor, I was in the corner booth trying to connect the dots between Paulo Freire and functional literacy.

As I was adding chapters to my paper, I was walking through a very sad chapter in my social life. That was until I made a new friend who matched my extreme level of nerdiness – the librarian.

As I followed one of the thousands of rabbit holes I went down into the abyss of adult literacy research, I stumbled upon a random Powerpoint Presentation that mentioned a statistic I thought seemed interesting and relevant to my study. 

Since this presentation didn’t include references, I knew it would be a long shot to track down the original source of information. I wrote to the presenter, whose email address was listed on the presentation, but received no response. I spent days scouring databases and search engines trying to find the source. When I had exhausted all of the options I could think of on my own, I knew it was time to call in a professional.

I emailed the general library help desk and explained my predicament. Within the hour, I received an email from Emma, a young, newly hired librarian who was eager to help me search. She wanted to learn more about my project and this specific statistic so that she could help me best. We chatted on the phone for about 30 minutes, and then she went to work.

The next morning, I opened my email to 20 new messages. Emma not only was able to track down a valid resource for the statistic I needed, but she had also made contact with the university professor across the country whose graduate student had created that Powerpoint.

Through their exchange, Emma learned that the professor had lost touch with the student but that she had conducted research similar to mine. Emma took it upon herself to make a virtual introduction, and the professor ended up becoming a valuable mentor for me. Emma also found at least 10 other resources that I had never seen that supported my study. She had gone above and beyond, and I felt as though I had hit the research jackpot with Emma.

Over the course of the next year, Emma didn’t mind listening to me geek out over obscure infographics I found, and she cared about the success of my study almost as much as I did. She checked in on me, and she always gave me the best advice for Boolean searches and choosing databases. We never had pizza or beer together, but she certainly became a trusted friend. I felt so fortunate that she answered my email that day.

Looking back, I realize that when I reached out to the library for help, my problem really was not a research issue as much as it was a disconnect in information literacy. I knew there was information I needed to access, but I was at a loss on exactly how and where to find that information.

This is a challenge for many adult learners. They may not be writing academic dissertations, but they often need help simply knowing how and where to find important information. When this situation arises, I hope they find someone like Emma who can help them get connected and care about their success enough to support them like a friend.

Our theme throughout February is Literacy at the Library, and we’re focusing on related topics throughout the month. Plan to join us at our next Best of Texas online session, focused on library literacy programs, on February 27.

Amazing things are happening in Texas!

“Best of Texas” brings local experts together to share their wisdom and experience.

find out more about this monthly series

Help Families Achieve More with BurlingtonEnglish

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This is a guest post from BurlingtonEnglish.

You can visit them at the 2024 Literacy Texas Annual Conference.

In today’s fast-paced world, where information is abundant and constantly evolving, the ability to read, write, and comprehend is more crucial than ever. Yet, many adults face challenges in these fundamental skills, which can affect not only their personal growth but also the ability to support their families.

English proficiency is especially important for language learners and key to accessing better job opportunities, educational resources, and participating fully in the community. Family literacy plays a vital role in enhancing educational outcomes, as parents who improve their skills can better support their children’s education and development. As noted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, family involvement in literacy significantly boosts children’s positive feelings about learning and their overall literacy performance.

Our Focus on Family Literacy

 Imagine this: a father confidently communicating with his child’s teacher, understanding report cards, and participating in school meetings, all thanks to his improved literacy skills. This scenario showcases the impact of Burlington Core, a standards-based, blended curriculum that equips individuals with essential skills to enhance their personal and professional lives.

 Our curriculum opens doors for adult learners by equipping them with the skills needed to find a job and succeed at work, assist their children with homework, and communicate effectively at school or the doctor’s office. This involvement doesn’t just boost academic and professional performance; it contributes to building family literacy.

Personal Challenges for Adult Learners

 Adult language learners often face barriers to learning such as financial constraints, lack of access to resources, and time limitations due to work. By increasing the availability of flexible learning options and offering personalized support and guidance, we can empower individuals to overcome these obstacles and achieve their educational and life goals.

Our Solution to Overcoming Challenges

 Burlington developed our standards-based, flexible curriculum using the best methods identified by linguists, educators, and software developers for overcoming the specific challenges of language learning. Our unique blended learning solution combines face-toface teacher-led instruction with anytime, anywhere access to online independent student lessons.

Success Stories

 Behind every family literacy and adult education program are inspiring success stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through learning. Take, for instance, Helen (Hoa), who came to the U.S. from Vietnam. She began her English studies at Simi Institute in 2010, determined to improve her language skills despite being deaf in one ear. Helen’s dedication drove her to set an alarm for 4:00 am daily to practice pronunciation using BurlingtonEnglish. Her improved communication skills boosted her confidence and enabled her to better support her children’s education.

In 2018, when Helen’s husband became seriously ill, she became the primary income provider. Despite these challenges, she continued her education and completed a Business English course. In October 2021, Helen achieved her dream of becoming a business owner by purchasing a salon in Westlake Village. Her success story illustrates the profound impact of adult education on family literacy and economic stability. Helen’s story is just one example of how BurlingtonEnglish can transform lives.

 Here are some more powerful testimonials from educators and students who have experienced the benefits of BurlingtonEnglish firsthand:

Sarita Akhtar, ESL Program Developer/Trainer at Indian River State College, shared: “Burlington has helped our students achieve their goals and make their career dreams come true. I have had students pass their State Board Exams for CNA/Home Health Aide and credited using the Burlington program. What an incredible tool we have provided them with. Thank you, Burlington!”

Karen Ling, Supervisor at Shared Time/Adult Education recounted another impactful story: “My student shared a powerful success story with the class. She explained that the Health unit in BurlingtonEnglish really helped her communicate with her child’s pediatrician. I know this seems simple, but I think we all know just how empowering this is for our students. Thank you, BurlingtonEnglish!”

These testimonials highlight the real-world impact BurlingtonEnglish has on individuals and their families, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

Conclusion

 Burlington’s approach to family literacy and adult education is not just about teaching basic skills; it is about empowering individuals to create a future where every adult has the chance to reach their full potential, every child grows up in a nurturing learning environment, and every family thrives.

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Hot Summer Days Need a Cool Program Management Solution

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This is a guest post from CommonTeri Services.

You can visit them at the 2023 Literacy Texas Annual Conference Registration Desk.

Greetings from the CommonTeri team!

Summer may be a time for vacations but it can be a busy time for adult and family literacy programs. Wrapping up the Spring semester and prepping for Fall programs can keep your team busy.

What about your data?

How easily can you get what you need for annual funding reports?

Do you wish your program management process were more streamlined?

How quickly can you get new activities added and the students enrolled?

Summer is a good time to evaluate how well your data system works for you. If keeping up with your data takes time and energy away from your focus on improving adult literacy, consider moving to a new data solution. A robust, flexible system makes it easier to:

  • manage and serve participants,
  • engage and utilize volunteers,
  • plan and organize activities, and
  • track and report on outcomes.

5 key traits for a quality data solution for program management are:

  1. User-friendliness. Can your team get key tasks done easily and quickly, with a manageable amount on onboarding and training?
  2. Capability. Does your team have the necessary tools and options, plus automation to support daily processes?
  3. Adaptability. Will your team be able to customize for organization-specific needs with a minimal amount of cost and time?
  4. Security. Does your team feel confident that the data is stored and accessed securely, with regular updates and maintenance to meet changing best practices?
  5. Long-term relevance. As your team looks to the future, can they be assured that the solution will continue to support them as the organization grows and changes?

The Salesforce app Literacy Nimbus (LitNim) is built on Salesforce technology and is designed specifically for nonprofits and literacy programs. It has all five traits, plus a team of forward-thinking Salesforce and nonprofit management experts who’d love to help you. 

Recently, the LitNim team began work on a new constituent portal to expand secure online data access and provide web-based forms for many common nonprofit uses such as registration, intake, event ticketing, enrollment, and attendance.

When you invest in a data solution, you want to make sure it works well now and for years to come. If you feel overwhelmed and frustrated with your data management, it may be time for a change. Having a quality data solution has real benefits for staff and organizations, including more time to focus on your mission and the students you serve. We encourage you to consider, explore, and ask questions to find the right data solution for you!

For more information:

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How the ReaderPen Can Foster Independent Reading

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This is a guest post from Scanning Pens, one of the exhibitors at the 2022 Literacy Texas Annual Conference. Visit their booth in the Exhibitor Hall starting Sunday evening (July 31)!

Reading is a key that has the power to unlock many doors throughout a lifetime. It can be the catalyst that allows development in education to take place, open up career opportunities and further study, and it’s the cornerstone of how we communicate and navigate the world.

We know that neurodiversity (including dyslexia, ADHD and dyspraxia) presents a host of unique challenges when studying and reading. For some, it can induce reading anxiety, or make reading feel impossible – and that’s where we see these doors begin to lock from the inside, cutting readers off from the activities and experiences that they may aspire to. Confidence gets lost, reading develops negative associations, and many children and young people disengage from learning – which can have whole-life consequences.

So how can we open these doors again, and create a landscape where all readers are confident, able and empowered to take on reading?

Finding the right reading support can be a complex issue as no two readers are the same: many educational settings turn towards human support readers to help individual learners with reading tasks, however this method can end up being counterproductive when it comes to fostering reading independence. The idea of having a human support can make reading feel difficult when that support individual isn’t there, meaning that reading becomes something that happens in school time, instead of anytime and everywhere. It also implies to some that reading has to be assisted, and some will begin to doubt their ability to read alone. It also should be noted that in classroom settings, the act of having a support reader present consistently can make some learners feel singled out and policed, even when they haven’t done anything wrong.

So that’s where the ReaderPen comes in.

The ReaderPen is a piece of Assistive Technology by award-winning assistive tech suppliers Scanning Pens. It looks similar to a highlighter pen, but with a digital functionality that can transform the reading experience. Users simply scan the words on the page and can experience them in audio in a way that clarifies meaning, supports developing skills and empowers them as they read. It helps beat anxiety, as readers feel independent and able to tackle reading alone – and built-in dictionary support ensures that new or complex words aren’t simply read, they’re learned too.

They’re a cornerstone of creating a learning environment that’s neurodiversity-positive, have the power to level the playing field when it comes to exams and testing – and thanks to a long-life battery, can be easily used on the go, outside of the classroom too.

The ReaderPen is a support mechanism that not only targets reading anxiety at its source, but helps educators manage their time too. If a class teacher can pull away from individual reading support, it means that they’ve got more time to focus on whole-class activities and the administrative tasks of the lesson. It can also represent a much more school budget-friendly means of ensuring that every child who needs reading support has access to it, with no ongoing salaries or subscription services- and it can be accessed via the funding made available by the US Department of Education.

Reading support is all about giving learners of all ages the confidence and independence to experience their education in comfort. Find out more about award-winning assistive tech solutions and how they transform lives at www.scanningpens.com; or check out the ReaderPen today.

Scanning Pens - Trademarked Logos_SP - TM

Thank you Scanning Pens for your support of the 2022 Literacy Texas Annual Conference!

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