Picture Books Are Pure Gold
When we think of picture books, we often picture tiny tots cuddled up with a big, colourful book, eyes wide with wonder. But here’s a little secret: picture books aren’t just for the little ones. Picture books are powerful tools that can engage students well beyond the early years. They’re like those classic animated movies, full of bright colours and fun for the kids but packed with deeper messages that all can appreciate. Whether you’re teaching Kindergarten or Grade 8, picture books can foster a love of reading, help build literacy, spark creativity, and enhance social and emotional learning in ways that resonate deeply with students of all ages. Picture books should remain a staple in your classroom, regardless of your student’s grade level.
Picture books are not just for entertainment; they are powerful tools for building literacy skills. The combination of text and illustrations helps young learners connect words to meanings, making reading an enjoyable and accessible experience. The rhythm, rhyme, and repetition found in many picture books are excellent for developing phonemic awareness, a cornerstone of early literacy.
And for older kids? Picture books are like the ultimate plot twist. Just when they think they’re too cool for storytime, these books sneak in with deeper themes, clever wordplay, and illustrations that make them think, “Wait, there’s more to this than meets the eye!” It’s like discovering that the animated movie you loved as a kid actually has jokes meant for adults. For intermediate students, picture books can serve as a sophisticated tool for exploring complex themes, making inferences, and analyzing characters. The visual elements encourage students to think critically about how images complement or enhance the text, developing their skills in visual literacy, an increasingly important competency in our multimedia world. Whether using a wordless picture book to teach inferencing or discussing symbolism in a beautifully illustrated story, picture books offer rich opportunities for literacy instruction across all grade levels. The role of picture books in sparking curiosity and critical thinking in older students is truly intellectually stimulating and engaging.
Picture books are a gateway to creativity, inviting students to explore new ideas, perspectives, and artistic expressions. These books inspire drawing, storytelling, and creative play for younger students. Activities like having students create their picture books can help them develop their writing skills while fostering a sense of ownership over their learning. Picture this, your students are so inspired by a picture book that they want to create their own story. Before you know it, they’re drawing, writing, and coming up with ideas that blow you away. Suddenly, the lockers, folders, and cubbies are covered in original artwork, and you have a budding author on your hands. The sense of ownership and pride students feel when creating their own stories inspired by picture books is truly empowering and rewarding.
For older students, these books can kick-start creative projects that are more than just fun. They are an educational goldmine. They may start analyzing how different illustrators use colour to set a mood, or they may even try their hand at creating a comic strip. The point is that picture books are like a trampoline for the imagination. They give kids a bounce; where they land is up to them. Picture books can serve as a springboard for more complex creative projects. They might analyze the artistic choices made by illustrators, experiment with different artistic styles, or even create their own visual narratives. These activities not only stimulate creativity but also deepen students’ appreciation for the craft of storytelling and visual arts. Encouraging students to think critically about the text and the artwork can lead to engaging discussions and innovative projects that tap into their creative potential.
Here’s the thing: kids don’t always love getting “a talk” from adults. Whether it’s about sharing, feelings or why it’s important not to run in the hallway, a lecture rarely gets the job done. But a story? That’s a different ballgame. The stories told in picture books often resonate deeply with students, making them powerful tools for social and emotional learning (SEL). Through relatable characters and situations, picture books help students navigate their own emotions, understand the perspectives of others, and develop empathy. Books that address themes such as friendship, kindness, resilience, and diversity provide a safe space for students to explore complex emotions and social dynamics.
Picture books are like a sneaky way to talk about big ideas. Want to teach empathy? There’s a book for that. Need to address bullying? Grab a picture book. These stories tackle everything from friendship and kindness to dealing with tough emotions without making kids feel like they’re sitting through a sermon. It’s like tricking them into eating their veggies by hiding them in a smoothie—effective and deliciously sneaky. And let’s be honest, even older kids need these lessons. Picture books can open discussions about more complex topics such as identity, bullying, and social justice. These conversations can be particularly meaningful in the intermediate grades, where students are beginning to grapple with these issues in their own lives. Picture books create a safe space for students to explore and discuss complex topics, helping them develop the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. When a picture book breaks down a complicated issue with a relatable story, suddenly, your students might just want to explore this topic more in-depth. When that happens, you know the book did its job.
In a diverse classroom, picture books can be a powerful tool for bridging cultural and generational gaps. They provide windows into different cultures, traditions, and experiences, allowing students to see both themselves and others reflected in the stories they read. By sharing picture books highlighting different cultural backgrounds, you can foster a more inclusive classroom environment and promote respect for diversity. Picture books can also connect students with historical events and figures in a way that is engaging and accessible. Stories featuring historical figures or events can make history come alive for students, helping them understand the past in a personal and relevant way. This connection to history through picture books can spark curiosity and inspire further exploration of historical topics, making them an invaluable resource in any subject area.
We all know that getting kids to read can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. But here’s the kicker: when kids find books they love, they actually want to read. Picture books are the gateway to that love. They’re short, sweet, and visually appealing, perfect for even the most reluctant readers. And don’t think older kids won’t get on board. The beauty of picture books is that they offer something for everyone. From witty humour to jaw-dropping artwork, there’s always something to keep them engaged. Before you know it, they’re asking for more books, and you’re left wondering when they got so interested in reading. It’s a win-win.
Picture Books Are Pure Gold
Incorporating picture books into your classroom offers many benefits beyond early literacy. These books support literacy development, spark creativity, enhance social and emotional learning, and bridge cultural and generational gaps. Picture books also help with synthesizing presented information by looking at how the different sections/pieces of the story build/form together. By recognizing the value of picture books at every stage of a child’s education, you can give your students the tools they need to succeed academically and personally while nurturing their curiosity, empathy, and imagination.
So, whether you’re teaching Kindergarten or Grade 8, don’t hesitate to pull out a picture book. You might just find that these books can engage your students in unexpected ways, helping them see the world—and their place in it—in new and exciting ways.
Some books to consider:
“Amira’s Picture Day” by Reem Farqui
“Your Name is a Song” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
“Everyone is Welcome” by Phuong Truong
“Firebird” by Misty Copeland
“Runs with the Stars” by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O’Connor.
Check out some educator-reviewed picture books at ETFO’s Voice Website: https://etfovoice.ca/books
