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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...