Build students' understanding of how visual texts communicate meaning with this 24-slide, editable lesson deck, designed to explicitly teach how images, diagrams, flowcharts and other visual representations contribute to audience understanding.

These teacher slides can be used independently. Note: Where the slides reference printable independent activities, these are available in the full lesson bundle available here.

Built around the I Do, We Do, You Do model, this slide deck supports a gradual release of responsibility. Students explore how visual features such as sequencing, layout, labels, arrows, spacing and images are deliberately selected to organise information, guide interpretation and communicate ideas effectively.

Through explicit teaching, modelled examples, guided analysis and structured discussion, students develop the skills to interpret visual texts, evaluate design choices and explain how visual features contribute to meaning across a range of contexts.

What's included in this teacher resource?

• 24 editable teacher slides
• Clear learning intention and success criteria to frame the lesson
• Explicit teaching introducing how visual features contribute to meaning across a range of visual texts
• High-quality modelled examples analysing procedures, life cycle diagrams, timelines, flowcharts and other visual representations
• Think-alouds demonstrating how design choices influence audience understanding
• Guided analysis tasks exploring the effectiveness of visual features
• Interactive discussion prompts encouraging students to justify how visual elements communicate meaning
• Check-ins for understanding embedded throughout the lesson

This resource supports students in moving beyond simply recognising visual features to critically analysing how purposeful design choices influence meaning. Ideal for upper primary classrooms, it provides a structured and engaging approach to developing visual literacy and critical thinking skills.

Note: This lesson includes reference to publicly available health education materials from NSW Health. All rights and ownership remain with the original creators. Materials are used for educational analysis purposes only.

Format: PowerPoint Slides

Aligned to Australian Curriculum Outcome: Identify and explain how images, figures, tables, diagrams, maps and graphs contribute to meaning (AC9E6LA07)