Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book during the month of November.
Picture books are valuable resources for engaging readers of all ages, at home and in the classroom. They can help students develop their close reading skills, as every word is carefully chosen. Pictures and words work together to create strong imagery and symbolism. Through the illustrations, students can see the setting and how colours and lightning contribute to mood and atmosphere.
With clear themes and purposeful messages, it’s easy to start a conversation using picture books. Picture books can help students build confidence in their ability to discuss literature. Students who may normally be hesitant to share their ideas for fear they might be misinterpreting the reading, are often more willing to discuss a picture book.
Here are 12 reasons why 5th grade teacher Colby Sharp thinks picture books are important:
Little kids love them
Big kids love them
Adults love them
They make us laugh
They make us cry
They make us think
They help us understand the world
They help us understand each other
They stay with us
They are fun to book talk
They are fun to give as gifts
They smell good
How will you celebrate Picture Book Month?
Whether you already use picture books in your classroom or would like to, download the Picture Book Month Teacher’s Guide: Why Picture Books Belong in Our Classrooms by Marcie Colleen for plenty of engaging ideas and activities to bring picture books into the ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies curriculum.
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