Picture Books
Picture Books are illustrated books where the story is told through the pictures with little or no text. In picture books the illustrations are as important or more important than the text. I use picture books all the time. My son loves to read books, but since he has not learned to read yet (he's 3) the pictures are the best part! To him, the brighter and sillier, the better. As a teacher picture books can be used in an endless amount of ways. The important part to remember, is to make sure the pictures and the text in the picture book relate. Generally you would want to read a picture book that related to the topic being taught, but reading a fun book to settle children back into studying mood after lunch might work for you also. Picture books can also be a great ice breaker for older students.
How to evaluate Picture Books
When selecting picture books for children there are nine questions you should use to evaluate these books. First are the illustrations accurate, and do they correspond to the content of the story? Second do the illustrations compliment the setting, plot, and mood of the story? Third do the illustrations enhance the characterizations? Fourth do both the text and illustrations avoid stereo types of race and sex? Fifth will the plot appeal to children? Sixth is the theme worthwhile? Seventh what is the purpose for sharing this book with children or recommending that they read it? Eighth are the author's style and language appropriate for the children's interests and age levels? And finally question number nine, are the text, the illustrations, the format, and the typography in harmony? With the abundance of picture books we have in the world today, there should be plenty of wonderful books to choose from.
I absolutely LOVE picture books. It is some what magical to read these books with such amazing illustrations. As I stated earlier, my son and I love to read picture books. I love some of the lessons picture books teach. They are very helpful when it comes to teaching numbers and letters. My eight month old daughter loves to eat her toy picture book! I think they help inspire imaginative thinking along with teaching some of the basics in reading and writing.
I absolutely LOVE picture books. It is some what magical to read these books with such amazing illustrations. As I stated earlier, my son and I love to read picture books. I love some of the lessons picture books teach. They are very helpful when it comes to teaching numbers and letters. My eight month old daughter loves to eat her toy picture book! I think they help inspire imaginative thinking along with teaching some of the basics in reading and writing.
good point michelle, picture books are diverse in how they may be used. picture books can be used to tell a story, describe events, collaborate with a story.
ReplyDeleteAnother great post. Thanks for keeping the standards high!
ReplyDeletedb