Flannelgraph is a word commonly used to describe a board covered in flannel fabric used as a visual aid for storytelling or teaching. The spelling of flannelgraph is phonetically represented as /ˈflænəlˌɡræf/. The "flan" syllable is pronounced with the "a" sound as in "cat", followed by the "nel" sound as in "kennel". The "graph" syllable is pronounced with the "gr" sound as in "great", then an "a" sound as in "cat", and finally the "f" sound as in "fate".
Flannelgraph refers to a teaching tool or medium used primarily in educational settings, particularly within early childhood or religious education. It consists of a stretched flannel cloth or board that serves as a backdrop, depicting a scene or setting. Small, two-dimensional figures or shapes made of flannel or felt are attached to the board, allowing for interactive storytelling or educational demonstrations.
Typically, flannelgraph is utilized by educators, teachers, or instructors to visually illustrate concepts, stories, or events. It is particularly popular in teaching religious stories, as it allows for the depiction and manipulation of characters from religious texts, aiding in engaging the audience and conveying moral or educational messages. Additionally, it is commonly used in early childhood education to facilitate interactive learning and storytelling.
The versatility of flannelgraph lies in its ability to engage learners visually and kinesthetically. By rearranging the figures or shapes on the flannel board, the instructor can portray various scenes or concepts, enabling students to actively participate in retelling stories or understanding different educational topics. This tactile experience helps reinforce learning outcomes and stimulates creativity.
Overall, flannelgraph is a versatile and engaging teaching aid that utilizes flannel or felt figures affixed to a flannel board or backdrop in order to facilitate interactive lessons, storytelling, or presentations.
The word "flannelgraph" is derived from the combination of two words: "flannel" and "graph".
Firstly, the term "flannel" originates from the Middle English word "flanen", which referred to a soft, woollen fabric. It can be traced back to the Welsh word "gwlanen" or "gwaelnen", meaning "woollen cloth". Over time, the term evolved, and "flannel" came to represent a soft, warm fabric typically used for clothing or bedding.
Secondly, the word "graph" is derived from the Greek word "graphē", meaning "writing" or "drawing". It is commonly used as a suffix in English to denote a visual representation or illustration, typically on a flat surface such as a graph paper or a chart.