Exploring the Magic of Picture Books

Picture books are a huge component of every kindergarten classroom. One of the first routines I introduce every year is aimed at introducing kindergarteners to the wonderful world of picture books. Promoting a love for reading from the start will go a long way. Give this activity a try!

Materials Needed:

1. A diverse selection of colorful and age-appropriate picture books, including wordless picture books (I am a BIG fan of that category!)
3. A cozy reading corner with cushions. I also included laundry baskets this year!
5. A set of stuffed animal "reading buddies"
7. Art supplies: crayons, colored pencils, markers, and blank sheets of paper.
9. A poster board and markers.

Activity Steps:

1. Gathering and Introduction (10 minutes):

• Gather the children in a circle on the meeting area.
• Show them a few colorful covers and ask, "What do you notice in the cover? What question do you have? What do you think this book is about?"
• Explain that most picture books have both words and pictures and that their job is to tell us a story. Show them a wordless book and ask them to share what they notice. Remember that these books are fabulous for storytelling and imaginative thinking, which spark language development. Show them how they get to "INTERPRET" (I know! a super fancy word that kindergarteners will love!) the illustrations and narrate the story in their own words.

2. Cozy Reading Corner (10 minutes):

• Guide the children to a cozy reading corner filled with cushions.
• Choose one of the picture books and read it aloud to the children. Use expressive voices and encourage them to look at the pictures as you read. Point our the details on the character clothing, facial expression, setting, etc.
• I also use this opportunity to show students how the characters share a "pinch" of themselves with us, the readers, by the clothes they wear. We also notice characters hair, skin color, and family structure.

3. Create a Class Picture Book (20 minutes):

• Provide each child with a blank sheets of paper and art supplies.
• Ask them to create a drawing showing something the like. It can be their favorite ice cream, sport, animal, etc.
• Assist them with writing as needed by creating a general sentence like "I like to ride bikes."

4. Sharing (15 minutes):

• Gather the children back in the circle.
• Have each child share their page. They can explain their choice and describe their drawing.

5. Storytelling with their reading buddies (10 minutes):

• Introduce the stuffed animals /"reading buddies" and explain that they love to hear stories too.
• Choose another picture book and read it to the children, this time each student invites a "reading buddy" to snuggle up with them to listen as well. Model how to hold the book and flip the pages with love and care.
• Have students choose their own book to to "read" and practice showing their "reading buddies" how to enjoy a book with care. I like to dim the lights and put on some soft music to create a calming space.

I love that this activity gives kindergarteners the opportunity of seeing themselves as authors and storytellers.

Happy Teaching!

TP@Sparking Creativity