Literacy Activities Handbook - Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres

Activity: Picture Scaffolds

By considering and answering the following list of questions, the learner is assisted in composing a text based on a photograph or illustration.

Guided Questions to Scaffold Composition of a Text Based on a Photo

Who is this photo of?
When was the photo taken?
Who are the people in the photo?
What are you doing in the photo?
How is everyone dressed in the photo?
Who took the photo?
Why was the photo taken?
Why do you like the photo?

Advice:

The learner and tutor should examine the photograph and discuss the questions together. Then the learner (or tutor) can write down the responses.
Photographs that include the learner work best for this activity. Interest and comprehension will be higher than “anonymous” photographs.
The photo and story can be displayed for all to enjoy!

Quoted from:
Karen B. Moni & Anne Jobling, “LATCH-ON: A Program to Develop Literacy in Young Adults with Down Syndrome,” in Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, Vol. 44, No. 2 (September 2000), p. 44.