AC9EFLA07: Explore How Images and Words Build Meaning
Explore the contribution of images and words to meaning in stories and informative texts. Students identify what each mode adds, then combine picture and word clues to explain the fuller meaning.
word clue — meaning communicated by the written or spoken words
picture clue — meaning communicated by what an image shows
detail — a small piece of information that adds meaning
combine — put clues together to make a fuller meaning
Key concept
I can use both the words and the picture to understand a text.
Learning goal: I can use both the words and the picture to understand a text.
I am ready when I can
I can identify a picture clue.
I can identify a word clue.
I can explain what an image adds.
I can explain what words add.
I can combine both clues into one clear meaning.
See it, then try it
See the skill in action
Words: The puppy hid.Picture: puppy inside a striped boxTogether: the puppy hid in the box
Read the cards from left to right.
Find different jobs for images and words in information
Words → Frogs hatch from eggs.Diagram → egg, tadpole, frogTogether → fact + visible stages
Read the cards from left to right.
Australian Curriculum elaborations
E1: Compare meaning from words only and images only
A reader may build different interpretations when only the words or only the images are available because each mode can contribute different evidence.
Words only: something arrivedImage only: birthday sceneTogether: a long-awaited birthday
New evidence can refine an interpretation.
Think: Use the words only and say what they suggest. Use the image only and say what it suggests. Combine both and explain what became clearer or changed.
Try: The words say, “It was finally here.” The image shows a child beside a birthday cake. What can each part make you think?
A strong answer: Complete the modelled response and use the example to show: gives a text-based idea, an image-based idea and a combined interpretation that remains open to reasonable alternatives.
Check: The learner gives a text-based idea, an image-based idea and a combined interpretation that remains open to reasonable alternatives.
If you are stuck: Use three mats labelled Words, Image and Together and record one clue on each.
E2: Match written details with image details
Some written details are reflected directly in an accompanying image, while other written details such as a name, thought, time or unseen event may not be visible.
Shown in both: waiting + nightWords only: the name LinaImage only: striped tentCombine for fuller meaning
Check each detail instead of assuming the image repeats every word.
Think: Name one detail from the words. Check whether the image shows that detail. Find one detail supplied by only one mode.
Try: The sentence says, “Lina quietly waited until night.” The picture shows a child sitting beside a tent under stars. Which details match, and which detail is not visible?
A strong answer: Complete the modelled response and use the example to show: matches waiting or night with image evidence and identifies Lina's name or quietly as information not securely visible in the image.
Check: The learner matches waiting or night with image evidence and identifies Lina's name or quietly as information not securely visible in the image.
If you are stuck: Cover one phrase at a time and ask Can I still know this from the picture?
Common misconceptions
The picture tells every part of the message — Ask what the words tell that cannot be seen, such as a character's name, time or thought.
The words are enough, so the image can be ignored — Cover the image, notice what information disappears, then restore it and combine both clues.
Every image only repeats the words — Find one added detail in the image and explain how it extends the sentence or fact.
Explain and apply
Use a real page
Choose an illustrated story page already available at home or school. Adult: cover the words and ask what the image shows; then read the words.
Answer and teaching guidance
Record one visible detail and one detail stated in words. This activity needs the actual page: a written picture description alone cannot show how a child interprets an image.
Find the evidence
On that story page, name something known from the words, something seen in the picture, and something both tell.
Answer and teaching guidance
Accept answers supported by the selected page. Ask the child to point to each clue. A character name may come from words while clothing or position may come from the image; do not assume every page has all three kinds.
Try an information page
Use an existing labelled photograph or diagram from an information book. Read the caption or labels, then ask what the image adds.
Answer and teaching guidance
The image might show appearance, position or parts; words may name a part or give a fact not visible. Check the actual page rather than accepting a guessed fact.
Check a guess
Ask: “Does this picture tell us the character’s name?” How could we check?
Answer and teaching guidance
A picture of a person alone does not establish their name. Look for words or labels that name them. Support: compare two clear clues. Extend: explain how removing either words or image would change understanding.
Try these
Cover and reveal — Show an image without its sentence, then reveal the words. Students name what each part contributes.
image clue → word clue → combined meaning
Missing clue — Read a sentence while hiding the image. Students predict one useful detail the picture might add.
words + ? picture detail
Story and information — Compare a story illustration and labelled diagram. Identify how each image helps its text.
illustration ↔ story • diagram ↔ information
Check your understanding
Quick checks
The words say, ‘The puppy hid.’ The picture shows the puppy under a bed. What does the picture add?
The words say, ‘A storm is coming.’ The image shows dark clouds and bending trees. What do they do together?
A picture shows three chicks, but the words say, ‘The hen watched her babies.’ What does the picture add?
The words say, ‘Sam wore boots.’ The picture also shows a yellow raincoat. What does only the picture tell?
Mastery evidence
The words say, ‘The puppy hid.’ The picture shows the puppy under a bed. What does the picture add?
The words say, ‘A storm is coming.’ The image shows dark clouds and bending trees. What do they do together?
A picture shows three chicks, but the words say, ‘The hen watched her babies.’ What does the picture add?
The words say, ‘Sam wore boots.’ The picture also shows a yellow raincoat. What does only the picture tell?
The learner gives a text-based idea, an image-based idea and a combined interpretation that remains open to reasonable alternatives.
The learner matches waiting or night with image evidence and identifies Lina's name or quietly as information not securely visible in the image.
The SkillrHub lesson remains the primary learning resource. This optional video reinforces the explanation; you can complete the lesson and practice without watching.
Recommended: How Illustrations Show Mood | Reading Comprehension
Khan Academy Kids — Noticing how a picture helps us understand feelings in a story.
As you watch: What detail in the picture gives you a clue about a feeling?
Load video playerLoads YouTube in this lesson. See the video notice below.
Try it: Draw a character feeling excited. Tell a partner which detail in your picture shows the feeling.
Video unavailable, inaccurate or unsuitable for this year? Report a video problem to SkillrHub by email. You can continue with the written lesson and practice resources.
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