Another way of eliciting prior knowledge is through the use of visuals.

A picture or a drawing on the board can help prompt learners to give information. For example, a drawing of the life cycle of the frog can begin with a drawing of a tadpole; encourage learners to tell you what comes before the tadpole and what comes after.

A clock, either on the wall or a drawing on the board, can help in eliciting language. For example, when practicing the present simple and daily routines, show 7am/10am/4pm/8pm and ask, ‘What does she do at this time?’ to elicit appropriate language.

Remember that visuals, whether pictures/posters or drawings, must be clear and large enough for all learners to see wherever they are sitting in the classroom. Alternatively you could use smaller visuals with groups or pairs of learners.