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Pictures as messages

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can use a picture or symbol to send a message.

Key learning points

  1. Pictures and symbols can be used to communicate messages.
  2. Messages do not always need to use words.
  3. Digital tools can be used to send pictures.

Keywords

  • Picture - a drawing or photo

  • Symbol - a picture that stands for something

  • Message - what someone wants to tell or show others

Common misconception

Messages always need words to be understood.

Messages do not always need words because pictures and symbols can show meaning on their own.

Teacher tip

Use familiar signs from school or everyday life to help pupils recognise how pictures and symbols can communicate messages without words.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

5 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a way to send a message?

sitting quietly
Correct answer: drawing a picture
standing still
sleeping

Q2.
Which of these uses a digital device?

Correct answer: sending a picture on a phone
drawing on paper
writing with a pencil
talking face to face

Q3.
Match the way of communicating to what it uses.

Correct Answer:talking,voice

voice

Correct Answer:drawing,pictures

pictures

Correct Answer:writing,words

words

Q4.
Which of these could send a message without using words?

writing a sentence
Correct answer: drawing a picture
reading a book
typing letters

Q5.
Where are you most likely to see pictures or symbols used as messages?

in a long story
Correct answer: on signs
in a letter
in a notebook

5 Questions

Q1.
Which sentence is correct?

Pictures are only decorations.
Correct answer: Symbols are pictures that stand for something.
Pictures always need words.
Symbols do not show messages.
Messages must be written.

Q2.
Why might someone use a picture instead of words?

Pictures are harder to understand.
Correct answer: Pictures help people understand quickly.
Words are not allowed.
Pictures are only for children.

Q3.
Match the picture type to how it sends a message.

Correct Answer:picture,shows something

shows something

Correct Answer:symbol,stands for something

stands for something

Correct Answer:writing,uses words

uses words

Q4.
Which message would be best shown using a picture or symbol?

a long story
a letter to a friend
Correct answer: a warning sign
a sentence in a book

Q5.
You want everyone to understand a message, even if they cannot read. What should you use?

writing only
long sentences
a book
Correct answer: a picture or symbol

To help you plan your 1 digital literacy lesson on: Pictures as messages, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...