Picture books are a great way to teach reading skills and strategies to students. They introduce the content of your lesson in an engaging way and give students a foundation they can apply to longer, more challenging texts. Let’s go over the benefits of using picture books in the classroom and some tips for how teachers can get the most out of them. In addition, there’s a FREE picture book list at the bottom of this post with a great selection of books for different skills and strategies!
Why Picture Books?
Picture books are an excellent way to kick off a minilesson for any reading skill or strategy. Here are some reasons why:
– They can be used with students of all ages. Trust me, 4th and 5th graders LOVE picture books!
– They are engaging. Who wants to learn about cause and effect from a workbook page?
– There is a wide range of picture books available on many different topics, which makes it easy to find one that fits your lesson perfectly.
Tips for Using Picture Books in the Classroom
Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of picture books in your classroom:
– Think aloud, think aloud, think aloud! We need to model to our students what experienced readers do as they read.
– Use them as a launchpad for discussion and writing. After reading the book, have students brainstorm what they learned about the skill or strategy. Then, have them write about it in their own words. Graphic organizers can help your learners keep track of their thoughts.
– Give students time to explore the book on their own. After the initial read-aloud, put the book in a reading center and let students reread it or read it with a partner. This is an excellent way for them to practice what they’ve learned! I liked to have a designated basket in my classroom library filled with read-alouds.
Free Picture Book List!
If you’re looking for some great picture books to teach reading skills and strategies, I’ve got you covered! I’ve put together a list of my favorites that you can download for free. Click the picture below to get the list sent directly to your inbox!
Happy Reading!
Marianna
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