What does 'visual' refer to in the context of literacy instruction?

• A. The sense of hearing
• B. The sense of smell
• C. The sense of sight or learning through images, graphics, and spatial representations
• D. Movement-based learning

Answer: (C)

Visual in literacy instruction means using and understanding information that comes through sight—seeing pictures, illustrations, diagrams, charts, and spatial layouts—and using those visuals to make meaning from texts. It includes interpreting what pictures show about characters, events, and setting, as well as using visuals to organize ideas (like graphic organizers) and to reinforce decoding and comprehension. That’s why the best answer describes the sense of sight or learning through images, graphics, and spatial representations. The other options point to hearing, smell, or movement-based learning, which are different modalities.