Picture Books

I don't think a teacher can go wrong with picture books. I think pictures enhance all aspects of comprehension and enjoyment and children of all ages should be exposed to them. I feel that the artistry of picture books really adds to the message.

For early elementary, I would seek two types of picture books. I would select simple pictures that are text related for the emergent reader. The emergent reader could view the picture for cues to the text. Nice examples of these types of books include some simplier Berstein Bears Books (e.g. The B Book), Phonic Series books that can be found at any book store or book club, Go, Dog, Go; Hop on Pop, and No, David by David Shannon are all enjoyable.

However, in addition to the emergent reader type books, I would expose the early elementary student to more complex stories and art work as a read aloud. The Napping House is a very cute book that teaches consequences, Amelia Bedelia books are silly and can only be comprehended with the picture (in my opinion), Jan Brett's books have wonderful artwork that kids seem to be drawn to, I also love the artistry of David Shannon's books, Jamie Lee Curtis' books. Children love a good story, an underlying message only enhances the experience.

For upper elementary, I think the read aloud type books for the early elementary is appropriate for the upper elementary student to read on their own. If exposed to them at an early age, they will especially enjoy the familiarity as they read them on their own. In addition, I think the upper elementary student will appreciate books of great artistry, not just literary, but visually as well. Finally, the upper elementary student would benefit from picture books relating to a historical time or event. The picture could help the student with comprehension.

While early elementary students use picture books for fluency and advancing their reading skills, the upper elementary student can use picture books for comprehension and deeper understanding. Either way, all people (not just children) seem to enjoy a visually appealing book.