Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Case for Picture Books


Picture books are a valuable part of a child's development. Just because they are "picture books" does not mean they are below your child's reading level. This is especially true for quality children's literature. Here is the case for picture books:

1. Picture books often include rich vocabulary words. The pictures often help students infer the meaning of those words.
2. The reading level is often more advanced than beginning chapter books, as authors often write with the assumption that parents will read the book to their child. Next time you pick of a picture book, count how many 3-4 syllable words are in the story.
2. Picture books often make complex subject matter more accessible and engaging.
3. They help students better understand story structure. They can easily see a connection between the beginning, middle, and end.
4. The plot can often be very complex and require children to infer meaning between the pages.

For a larger discussion on the role in picture books, check out this article from the NY Times:Picture Books are no Longer a Staple for Children

Feel free to post your reactions to the article. I would love to hear what you think! :)

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