by Linda Haver

Created on: April 05, 2011   Last Updated: April 08, 2011

Picture books can be a valuable resource when working with middle school students. The well done illustrations and rich vocabulary of quality picture books will benefit all students.

Middle school students will react favorably to lessons based on familiar picture books from their younger years.

Reading aloud picture books to a group of students can help build common background knowledge that can be applied to more challenging independent reading.

Fluency is a very important literacy skill that can impact comprehension. Multiple readings of easier picture books will help middle school students who are struggling with fluency. Students will be more motivated to do repeated readings while practicing reading smoothly and with expression when they
have a goal to achieve.

One goal could be reading aloud to younger students. Another objective of the
multiple readings might be making an audio tape or video to share with primary classes.

When students are practicing fluency using picture books with characters that have dialogue, they might enjoy the challenge of working together with peers to use the book as a basis for a Reader’s Theater script. Taking parts and using their voices to bring life to the characters will also help improve fluency.

Picture books can be used as writing prompts with middle school students. Reading and discussing a book like When the Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant can lead to each student writing a story about when one of their relatives came to visit. Reading aloud several picture books versions of the same
familiar fairy tale and then challenging the students to write a new version of another well-known tale is another great activity. The students could rewrite a story through the eyes of a different character in the book or characters from two different stories could come together to make an entirely new story.
The possibilities are endless when using picture books as a springboard for writing.

Lessons on plot are easily achieved when using picture books. The simplified nature of these books can lead to quick changes in the storyline. Studying methods the author uses to advance the plot, such as picture clues, can help students apply their understanding to more complex plots. Inferring, predicting,
and questioning can also be taught and practiced through the use of picture books.

The illustrations in many picture books are truly works of art. After exploring the various techniques and mediums successful illustrators have used in books, middle school students could partner up to create their own children’s book. Students who are not necessarily the best writers might flourish when given
the opportunity to use art as a form of personal expression.

An effective middle school teacher can incorporate picture books into every subject. These books will enhance the comprehension and learning of all students.

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