3G. Plasti-graph and Flashcards

This system depends on the natural surface adhesion between the very smooth plastic letters provided and the surface of the board of a similar material. Different colors, sizes and typefaces are available at a very reasonable cost. The lettering may either be displayed on a piece of hardboard covered with the plastic material or even on a pane of glass. Plastigraph is ideal for showing key words during a talk. The letters are preformed so that no artwork skills are required. However the plastic lettering has to be set up on a clear carrier film beforehand and extra care needs to be exercised if they are going to be kept straight. Each key word should be separated from the next with a sheet of tissue paper. Be warned that once a word is smoothed onto a board it cannot be adjusted, so be sure to place it the right way up and in the correct location the first time! As with all other visual aids, practicing what you are going to do and say before the event is essential. Words however are not always the best way to communicate!

Communication

Off the west coast of Africa, in the Canary Islands group, the inhabitants have an unusual way of communicating. Instead of using words, the people use a whistle language dating back to the original inhabitants, the "Gouaches." In the mountainous landscape, the whistles carry long distances and echo from one cliff to the next with the latest news or gossip. Both fingers and lips are manipulated to form meaningful sounds in this extraordinary communication oddity.' For the Christian worker sometimes there are better ways to communicate than words. If the words describe some object, then it is better to draw a good picture than to explain what it is like. Little children, who are not able to read, can be brought into a story in this way. These pictures are known as flashcards.

Flashcards

There are three basic types of flashcards. First, the purchased picture book type as in the Jungle Book story. These may be bought from most Christian bookshops and simply portray the story in picture form. The second type of flashcard is handmade from card stock yourself. I make mine all the same size and trim the corners "a la television!" Those I know I will handle a lot I cover with a clear adhesive film used for book covering. Cut out gummed paper gives the maximum color and contrast either to form pictures or bubble lettering. Excellent examples of this technique are the stories "Mr. Square" and "Mine Twice Over." Once you start out on this system you find that you can use the same cards over and over again in different presentations.

Keywords

By adding words alongside the picture, you can import further meaning too. Illustrations are best on the fluorescent type of board which is slightly more expensive than ordinary board, but well worth it. Both sides of the material should be used. Cards can be used to challenge at the end of a talk as in the following four examples. Pieces of card can be made removable to add significance as in the "doubt mask" (preceding illustration). Careful preparation will pay large dividends to both the user in organizing his or her thoughts carefully and to the viewer who has a visual presentation as well as a description to concentrate on. Flashcards are eminently portable and ideal where other visual equipment may not be acceptable or practical. Unlike other aids they do not require a stand or other support.

"Practical Christian Outreach in the Local Church"

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