Comments on: A Reading Diet that Includes Picture Books

By: Molly Hyde-Caroom

Molly Hyde-Caroom — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 19:54:14 +0000

There are SO many beautiful picture books out there, I would be so sad if I had to get rid of them! I still enjoy them, why not my children, too? I say there is place for both in their lives! The importance of reading a chapter book is so real, but I believe that reading to relax before going to sleep is very important and at that time, children should be able to read what they want. Sometimes, they are tired enough that a chapter book is too much. I think that looking at beautiful pictures or a special book that they picked out at the library is still very educational. Great art, the independent feeling of picking their own book and most importantly, seeing reading as something that is FUN! Thanks for this post, I really enjoyed it!

Molly

By: Erin @ Letter Soup

Erin @ Letter Soup — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:40:54 +0000

My kids are young and just beginning to get into chapter books, so picture books are definitely our staple. I agree that they are so valuable for older kids! When I taught 5th and 6th graders, I used them every day. We used the 6 Traits resources, so picture books played an important role in the writing instruction. Picture books are perfect for modeling traits that good writers use, since providing excellent examples is so important in writing instruction. Like Jennifer said above, I also love to use them for teaching about behavior or character education. -And or course the artwork is unbeatable!
Thanks for posting about this. I can’t believe someone would even question the value of picture books! Crazy!

By: Jeri Graybill

Jeri Graybill — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:56:27 +0000

You mention that most picture books are written at a high reading level and vocabulary. When choosing picture books to share with very young children, one has to really search for those with great pictures, limited words and appropriately-stretching vocabulary, plus interesting-enough concepts/story to appeal to both the one doing the reading and the little listener. I wish there were many times more the short list of excellent ones we enjoy. I personally think the value of picture books is huge for sharing time together with our children, grandchildren and little friends.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:48:05 +0000

As a 4th grade teacher, I use picture books all the tie. It’s a great tool for modeling reading and writing strategies. Dr. Seuss picture books, like The Lorax are perfect for teaching moral and social issues. I also love to immerse the kids with historical fiction picture books. FABULOUS!

By: Laurie

Laurie — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 21:33:40 +0000

As a former teacher, now stay-at-home mom, I know the value of using a picture book for teaching! Even in middle school and high school, a picture book is a great way to read an entire story in one sitting and teach on a particular concept (story elements, foreshadowing, etc.). Picture books can also be great supplements to science or social studies units. I think schools and teachers need to encourage picture books instead of pushing chapter books. We can also educate parents in this area.

By: Rasco from RIF

Rasco from RIF — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:56:10 +0000

This is a diet I really like! Thanks for sharing.

By: Paula Ciberay

Paula Ciberay — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:27:17 +0000

Many libraries have Illustrated Fiction sections in their library just for this reason. They are picture books written for older children. If they are labeled Illustrated Fiction it takes the stigma off of older children reading them and parents don’t have to hunt through all the picture books that are written for the very young!

By: Natasha Wing

Natasha Wing — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 20:41:51 +0000

Since I write picture books, I was concerned about the article’s message. But hopefully parents, teachers and librarians know the value of the stimulation both words and pictures provide the brain. Kids can linger over the pages and study the pictures and words versus zipping through chapters.