Visual Literacy in Elemntary English Learning: Using Picture Book to Foster Language Development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62951/ijeepa.v3i2.491Keywords:
EFL Learning, Elementary School, Picture Books, Student Motivation, Visual LiteracyAbstract
This study aims to examine the use of picture books as a visual literacy medium in teaching English at the elementary school level, particularly in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This research employed a qualitative descriptive literature review by analyzing relevant national and international journal articles published within the last five years. The findings indicate that the integration of visual and verbal elements in picture books contributes significantly to students’ language development, especially in vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and meaning construction. From an affective perspective, the use of picture books enhances students’ motivation, learning interest, classroom participation, and reduces language learning anxiety. The effectiveness of visual media is theoretically supported by Dual Coding Theory, which explains that information processed through both verbal and visual channels strengthens memory retention and comprehension. However, several challenges remain, including the selection of appropriate picture books and teachers’ limited competence in visual literacy. Therefore, systematic instructional planning and professional development for teachers are essential to optimize the use of picture books in EFL classrooms at the elementary level.
References
Al Fauzi, F., Saputri, A., & Sabartono, R. (2024). The students' perception of using visual literacy in English language learning: A descriptive study. International Journal of English Education and Linguistics, 6(2), 212-220. https://doi.org/10.33650/ijoeel.v6i2.9663
Asilestari, P., Henjilito, R., & Hardi, V. A. (2025). Enhancing Reading Comprehension through Visual Information: A Longitudinal Study in Higher Education. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(2), 2415-2434. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i2.7490
Carcamo, B., & Pino, B. (2025). Developing EFL students' multimodal literacy with the use of infographics. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 10(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-025-00322-3
Dewi, A. C. (2025). Text writing skills as the impact of visual media implementation in the learning process. Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin Mahasiswa dan Akademisi, 1(3), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.64690/intelektual.v1i3.242
Dewi, A. C. (2025). Visual media as a writing literacy support tool in the digital era. Jurnal E-MAS (Edukasi dan Pembelajaran Anak Usia Dini), 1(2), 57-65. https://doi.org/10.64690/e-mas.v1i2.268
Dwiyasari, K. M. A., Arnyana, I. B. P., & Astawan, I. G. (2023). Development of picture story books containing character education to improve reading skills in second grade elementary school students. PENDASI Indonesian Journal of Basic Education, 7(1), 71-82. https://doi.org/10.23887/jurnal_pendas.v7i1.2023
Hakim, L., & Ahmadi, A. (2025). Visual Epistemology in Class IX Indonesian Language Learning: The Role of Images as a Source of Knowledge and Cognitive Stimulus in Writing Recon Texts. DIKSI: Journal of Educational and Social Studies, 6(4), 746-756. https://doi.org/10.53299/ksi.v6i4.3022
Harefa, S. M., Mustapa, N., Kurniati, E., & Wardhani, W. D. L. (2025). The effect of reading one picture storybook each day on children's language skills and character growth. PAUDIA, 14(4), 775-790. https://doi.org/10.26877/paudia.v14i4.2268
Hatima, Y., Fajrudin, L., & Pribadi, R. A. (2025). Visual Literacy Strengthening Program in Indonesian Language Learning through Children's Educational Comics at SDN Karundang 1 Serang City. Journal of Community Service and Innovative Empowerment, 1(1), 59-68. https://doi.org/10.64690/jampi.v1i1.218
Idris, M., & Luluatul, L. H. A. (2026). The implementation of picture books as a medium to improve English vocabulary mastery among elementary school students in Jakarta. Journal of Science and Social Development, 9(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.55732/
Izzati, L. K., Syamsi, K., & Sari, E. S. (2025). Collaborative strategies in teaching reading comprehension of descriptive texts to seventh-grade junior high school students. Bahasa: Jurnal Keilmuan Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, 7(2), 535-554. https://doi.org/10.26499/bahasa.v7i2.1358
Kurniawati, K., Wahyuriningsih, I., & Stotlikova, R. (2025). Development of Visual Literacy Assessment Instrument for Elementary School Students. DIDAKTIKA: Jurnal Pendidikan Sekolah Dasar, 8(1), 65-76. https://doi.org/10.21831/didaktika.v8i1.85928
Lubis, S., Irawati, J., Aida, Y., Siregar, A., Lestari, S., Mardia, S. R., & Desty, T. R. (2024). Visual Literacy About the Introduction of Posters at SD Negeri 088 Panyabungan. Journal of Student Service Activities (JKPM), 2(1), 23-32. https://doi.org/10.36908/jkpm.v2i1.400
Megawati, F. (2024). Strengthening English literacy skills through instructional media to enhance learning motivation among elementary school students. Jurnal Ilmiah Kampus Mengajar, 4(1), 60-71. https://doi.org/10.56972/jikm.v4i1.145
Melani, M., & Prahastiwi, E. D. (2025). The effectiveness of illustrated storybooks in stimulating creativity and language skills of early childhood students at TK Mardi Utomo, Purworejo Village. Pelangi: Jurnal Pemikiran dan Penelitian Islam Anak Usia Dini, 7(1), 149-165. https://doi.org/10.52266/pelangi.v7i1.4062
Nurafiani, S., & Iftidiani, D. (2023). Analysis of English Learning through Writing and Reading Skills Using Picture Books and Texts in Elementary Schools. Karimah Tauhid, 2(4), 785-793. https://doi.org/10.30997/karimahtauhid.v2i4.9377
Nuralifah, R., Rukayah, R., & Saputri, D. Y. (2023). Analysis of the use of picture story book media in Indonesian language learning in class II elementary school. Journal of Elementary Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.20961/jpd.v10i2.69294
Paramita, G. A. P. P., Agung, A. A. G., & Abadi, I. B. G. S. (2022). Picture story books to improve the reading skills of Indonesian language lesson content for third grade elementary school students. Pulpit Science, 27(1), 11-19. https://doi.org/10.23887/mi.v27i1.45499
Primasari, A., & Hidayat, M. T. (2022). The effectiveness of using picture story book learning media on the reading literacy understanding of upper elementary school students. Basicedu Journal, 6(4), 6224-6233. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v6i4.3209
Purwani, R. (2020). Development of character-based picture story books for fourth grade elementary school students' reading learning. Journal of Indonesian Language Education, 8(2), 180-194. https://dx.doi.org/10.30659/j.8.2.180-194
Sharma, B. D., & Rai, R. P. (2025). Use of picture books: An effective tool for language learning students. DS Journal of Language, Linguistics and Literature, 3(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.59232/LLL-V3I1P101
Tahmida, N. S. (2025). Language craft media: The integration of art and multimodal literacy in Indonesian language learning. Paedagogie, 20(2), 179-190. https://doi.org/10.31603/paedagogie.v20i2.14871
Wijaya, B. A., Mujiwati, E. S., & Damayanti, S. (2022). Development of Picture Book Teaching Materials for Animal Tales (Fables) for class II students at SDN Sumberbendo II, Kediri Regency (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Nusantara PGRI Kediri). https://doi.org/10.31004/jptam.v6i1.2919
Yawiloeng, R. (2022). Using instructional scaffolding and multimodal texts to enhance reading comprehension: Perceptions and attitudes of EFL students. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4122231
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
