Question 1

Why use visual keywords for vocabulary teaching?

Accepted Answer

Dual coding (pairing a word with a relevant image) measurably improves recall and transfer compared to definition-only instruction. The effect is strongest for abstract Tier 2 vocabulary — the words that academic success depends on but that pupils rarely meet outside school.

Question 2

What is Tier 2 vocabulary and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Tier 2 words are high-frequency academic vocabulary that appears across subjects (analyse, characteristic, contrast). They drive reading comprehension and writing quality but are rarely explicitly taught. Visual keywords are a fast, low-prep way to make them visible.

Question 3

How do I use Chalk's visual keywords in a lesson?

Accepted Answer

Pre-teach: show the cards before pupils encounter the words in text. Retrieval: project a card with the word blanked and have pupils retrieve it. Knowledge organiser: paste the cards into your unit knowledge organiser. Wall: print and display.

Question 4

Can I print visual keywords as flashcards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use the print or PDF export. The layout fits a standard A4 sheet with multiple cards per page, designed for guillotine cutting into individual flashcards.

Question 5

Is the visual keywords tool free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free for teachers; the free tier exports include a small footer credit. Pro unlocks unlimited generations and clean exports.

Visual Keywords