The PictureThis! Dictionary

Research consistently supports the use of visual aids—particularly real-life photographs—as effective tools for enhancing vocabulary acquisition and concept retention among multilingual learners. The PictureThis! Dictionary leverages this evidence-based approach by providing full-color, engaging photographic representations of over 1,900 essential words. With 11 different language editions plus one monolingual English version, the format of PictureThis! connects concepts between words, the picture of the word, and students’ home languages--instantly! The visual-linguistic pairing accelerates comprehension for students in school and with their families when incorporated in a home library.

PictureThis! enhances student access to high-frequency and cross-curricular vocabulary while maximizing instructional time. With 1,900 words supported by real-life visual aids, it provides immediate, organized language resources for multilingual learners. By removing the need to sort and manage traditional picture cards, PictureThis! streamlines teacher preparation and promotes consistent, efficient vocabulary instruction across both classroom and home settings.

Unlike conventional picture dictionaries organized by theme, the PictureThis! Dictionary presents words in a clear A–Z format, with each section color-coded by letter. This alphabetical structure promotes student independence by making it easy to locate words quickly—an important feature for use as an approved classroom or assessment accommodation. Educators can still group words thematically for flexible integration. Its thoughtful design and sturdy construction, supports both everyday teaching and academic accommodations.

Educators across the country use the PictureThis! Dictionary as a core reference tool in newcomer classrooms—integrating it into routines, journals, vocabulary mini-lessons, and more. It serves not only as a standalone support, but also as the foundation for structured programs like:

The PictureThis! Vocabulary Resource Kit – a teacher and student resource that builds academic language and facilitates English language development.  Students grow in their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills using the word-to-word PictureThis! Dictionary, multi-modal early literacy strategies, and engaging student games and activities. Building exposure and accelerating vocabulary from concepts of print and letters to sight words and reference skills, the PictureThis! Vocabulary Resource Kit is available for the primary grades: K-2.

ACTIVATE Language - Newcomers – a classroom solution for emergent multilingual students with a student edition for recording progress and practice. Standards-aligned and thematically connected activities are led through a supportive teacher edition. Using the PictureThis! Dictionary  with engaging literacy experiences, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, accelerates comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. ACTIVATE Language -Newcomers is available for Primary, Intermediate, Secondary, and Adult Newcomers.