How to Use Picture Books in Reading and Writing

My favorite books to use and how to use them!

Reading to learn is basically the overall purpose for really NEEDING to know how to read, right? Well, I utilize this thought of reading to learn in many ways in my classroom and you should too!

Here’s what I mean: We can use picture books to teach the reading skills we want our kids to learn in order to have comprehension and understanding while reading. They are ALSO exposed to great literature and unique topics they may not have had the opportunity to hear about without the books. Win-Win!!

Not sure where to start? If you teach your students any of these skills:

NarrativeInformationalOpinionWord Choice
Types of WritingNoting DetailsQuestioningEvaluate
Sequence of EventsInference and PredictionProblem and SolutionPoetry
Figurative LanguageMain IdeaCause and EffectCompare and Contrast
Fact and OpinionSummaryViewpoint and PerspectivesCharacter Development

…then you NEED my FREE ELA Picture Book List where I break down each of these topics with 5 picture books that can be used in a lesson to teach it. 

Let me break a book down for you real quick with one of my Character Development recommendations: After the Fall by Dan Santat

What happens AFTER Humpty Dumpty falls off that wall? He’s scared of heights, of course! Will he be able to face his fear? This take on an old classic is great for character development and also to tie in some SEL learning for a morning meeting with your class! 

3 Questions to guide the learning:
General Comprehension of the story– How does Humpty Dumpty overcome his fear of heights?
Character Changes/Development– How does Humpty Dumpty’s attitude change through the story?
Connect to the text– Explain about a time you failed at something and how you got back up!

How else you could extend the learning:

  • Writing Extension: Students write their own take on what happens after the fall…or pick a different nursery rhyme to change!
  • Connections: Share other fractured fairy tales
  • Support students through SEL skills about anxiety, fears, and perseverance 

Bonus: Have you listened to the podcast I did featuring this book? 

Interested in more ideas for multiple ways to use just 1 picture book? These resources have a plethora of activities, questioning, and comprehension practice ready for you to print. These books are also on my recommended ELA Picture Book List mentioned above.

Blog- Clovis Keeps His Cool

Curious about more details for using Picture Books in your classroom? Check out these other blogs:

How to Read Aloud to Kids
Using Picture Books in the Classroom
Practicing Main Idea

Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

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