I’ve been blogging for over three years now. I blog with Courtney over at iTeach Fifth and was thrilled {and honored} to be guest blogging for her!
Today we are going to talk a bit about using picture books to teach science.
Let me preface my recommendations by saying that I currently do not teach science. However, I spent three years teaching fourth grade science just a few years ago. Something I learned from teaching older kids is that they NEVER get too old for picture books! Even as an adult, I still love reading picture books! I also use them as much as possible in my 5th grade ELA classroom.
Let’s get started!
Please tell me you know Gail Gibbons! Her science books are unbelievable! The text features that she uses are so interesting for students (and adults)! She definitely makes learning about science fun!
In Georgia (where I’m from), learning about the phases of the moon is a 4th grade standard. I always use The Moon Book to give the kiddos a grasp on how those phases are formed! I would always read the book and then we make our own moon flip books.
You can also never go wrong with The Pumpkin Book. It has such cute illustrations and text features about the life cycle of a pumpkin!
Any of Gail Gibbons’ books are great resources to incorporate science and ELA standards.
Another type of book I like using in science are the National Geographic for Kids. They have great photographs and are easy for the students to read and understand. They are always expanding their titles. If you have something you are teaching, you should check what they have available. Here are some titles that I know can fit into science curriculum.
Here’s another one of my favorites. This is a level 2 reader so it contains more challenging vocabulary and is most suitable for 2nd-4th graders. The level 3 reader can be used for up to 6th grade. Take a look at those photos!
I’m hoping you have discovered some new ways to make science interesting for your students!