Learning languages through stories, images and sound
PICTOMIX is a European cooperation project that aims to make language learning and access to culture more accessible for adults with reading difficulties, including migrants, refugees, deaf people, and adults with low literacy skills.
Many adults face barriers when learning a new language because most educational resources rely heavily on written text. PICTOMIX proposes a different approach: starting with images, oral language and storytelling before moving progressively towards reading and writing.
Inspired by European myths and legends, the project combines large visual murals, sound recordings, pictograms and interactive digital tools to create an engaging and inclusive learning experience for everyone.
What will PICTOMIX create?
PICTOMIX will develop a collection of innovative educational resources:
- Five large-scale visual murals inspired by European myths and legends.
- Printed and digital versions of each mural.
- Multilingual audio recordings and soundscapes.
- Story booklets in pictograms and plain language.
- A visual dictionary to support vocabulary acquisition.
- Interactive educational games and activities.
- Learning pathways for trainers and educators.
- An online platform bringing together all project resources.
These tools will help learners develop vocabulary, oral expression, storytelling skills, reading readiness and digital competences through a progressive and motivating approach.
An innovative visual and multimodal methodology
PICTOMIX combines several educational approaches:
- Visual storytelling through pictograms and illustrations.
- Oral learning supported by multilingual audio content.
- Interactive digital experiences and educational games.
- Collaborative and creative workshops where learners become storytellers and creators.
- Comparative language learning that values learners’ native languages and cultural backgrounds.
The project is inspired by successful European initiatives such as Bibliodos, Team of Art, Plural Words and 4 Elements, while introducing a new educational model based on immersive visual narratives.
A project for inclusion and diversity
PICTOMIX promotes equal access to learning and culture by offering resources that can be used by:
- Adults with low literacy skills.
- Migrants and refugees.
- Deaf learners.
- Non-native language learners.
- Adult education centres and training organisations.
- Cultural and community organisations.
By reducing language barriers and valuing linguistic diversity, the project supports social inclusion, active participation and lifelong learning across Europe.
A European partnership
PICTOMIX brings together organisations specialised in adult education, language learning, accessibility, inclusion and digital educational innovation. Together, the partners are developing multilingual resources that can be adapted and reused in different countries and learning contexts.
The project contributes to a more inclusive vision of adult education, where culture, language learning and accessibility go hand in hand.
