Providing students with a set of ‘Image Cards’ helps them to express their opinions and feelings, by giving them a picture to discuss. This enables them to share insights and reflections, and is especially helpful for students who struggle to verbalise abstract thoughts and insights.
The cards can be created by the teacher, or you can purchase published sets like these:
- ‘Picture This’ – 75 photographs
- Metafox Collections – some sets available through Amazon
1. Framing the Session
The facilitator opens the session by outlining the structure and purpose, including the use of images as prompts for reflection. Students are invited to select an image that captures a thought, feeling, or idea they connect with.
This approach allows them to share personal insights in a safe and comfortable way, using the image as a starting point for discussion. Rather than speaking directly about themselves, students can reflect what the image symbolises for them.
2. Card Selection
Ideally, the image cards are laid out around the room in a way that allows for easy viewing – on tables, benches, or display boards.
The facilitator presents a stimulus statement or guiding question, before inviting students to walk around the space, take their time, and choose one or more images thoughtfully. e.g.
“Choose an image that represents how you feel about…”
or,
“Which image reflects a challenge you’re currently facing?”
Once the allocated time has passed (3-5 minutes) students return to their seats and prepare to share a personal observation or insight centred around the image.
3. Group Sharing
In small groups (most time-efficient) or as a whole class (works well early in a year when students are getting to know each other) each student takes a turn sharing their chosen image and why they picked it. It is often helpful for the facilitator to go first and demonstrate how to share about a chosen image.
If students are finding it hard to know what to share, the facilitator may ask them a question about their chosen image.