Picture books help students follow literary content by illustrating what is occurring in the text. Pictures in books also may be used in higher grades to illustrate historical occurrences that are not readily understood through reading or discussion. A picture book differs from an illustrated story in that the pictures carry the story, in some cases making text unnecessary. Both illustrated stories and picture books can be a great asset to your classroom activities. To effectively use picture books, create an environment that supports this activity.

Picture books help students follow literary content by illustrating what is occurring in the text. Pictures in books also may be used in higher grades to illustrate historical occurrences that are not readily understood through reading or discussion. A picture book differs from an illustrated story in that the pictures carry the story, in some cases making text unnecessary. Both illustrated stories and picture books can be a great asset to your classroom activities. To effectively use picture books, create an environment that supports this activity.

1

Arrange the classroom so that students are seated close to you and facing you directly. Avoid seating students in a circle where some students are behind you. Seat students in rows or a semicircle so that they are facing you. Hold the book so students can view the pictures as you read the text. This is especially helpful if your students are just learning to read, as they can follow the words as you read them aloud.

2

Tell students about the book's illustrator, distinguishing his role in creating the book from that of the author.

3

Allow students to make observations about the pictures on each page. Ask them what they see happening. Discuss whether the illustration has a certain mood or tone, and how it supports what is happening in the story. For younger students, this will help their reading comprehension; older students can sharpen their analytical skills.

4

Explore themes in the illustrations. Note any anomalies, repetition or symbols in the illustration to give your students a deeper understanding of the story.

Tips

Choose picture books that you enjoy. Children can sense if you don't really like a book. Convey to them that reading is something to be enjoyed.

Collect and share with students multiple picture books about the same subject or with the same theme.

Picture books can be used for subjects and curriculum other than reading or language arts.