Because of the highly visual nature of many authentic resources, they can easily be used to introduce and reinforce new vocabulary because they provide a context for learning the words and phrases.  Using authentic resources for the input phase of the lesson adds interest for the learners and injects real world connections.

Infographics

Infographics that illustrate results from a survey often provide visuals for the theme of the survey and give the context of what peoples’ preferences are.  They offer the opportunity for students to make predictions about survey results and compare and contrast them with their own opinions.

Here is an example in Spanish about sports preferences around the world:

Here’s one for leisure time activities in French:

And one for favorite foods in German:

And one for most ideal occupations in French:

And one for most trusted occupations in German:

And one for Italian for which region of Italy offers the best job opportunities:

Instead of learning about or practicing vocabulary related to body parts by looking at a drawing of a nondescript person,  think about how much more engaging it will be for students to talk about body parts in the context of a famous soccer player’s injuries.

      

Some examples of strategies for introducing and reinforcing thematic vocabulary through infographics include:

1. Initially covering up the labels on an infographic as the teacher introduces the new vocabulary and then revealing them while checking for understanding.
2. Students have a version of the infographic with blanks where the vocabulary words are and a word bank with the new words.  As the teacher introduces the new vocabulary, students write the appropriate words and phrases into the blanks.
3. Students are given a version of the infographic in pieces.  They assemble the “puzzle” as the vocabulary is introduced.

More examples:

A. School supplies in the context of shopping for back to school (Spanish):

B. Food in the context of what your pet can and cannot eat (Spanish):

C.  Clothing in the context of packing a suitcase (Spanish):

D. Modes of transportation in the context of how people get to work (French and Spanish):

       

E. Rooms of the house in the context of saving energy in your home (French):

I invite you to visit my Pinterest boards, many of which are organized by topic, to find infographics aligned to your vocabulary themes for introduction and for reinforcement: