A picture's worth a thousand words
Have you ever noticed your child pick a book and explore the pictures? In children’s books, illustrations make the story come alive. The pictures, whether photos, drawings, or paintings, spark children’s imaginations and help them think about the story in new and exciting ways.
Even before they can read, children love to look at the pictures in books. This is not just fun, it’s an important part of learning to read. Looking at a book’s pictures helps little ones become readers by:
• Teaching them the basic structure of books and stories
• Encouraging their imagination
• Helping them develop speaking skills
• Giving them chances to tell stories with you
Activities to Try
Pictures books spark imagination and creativity. At home, try the activities below to incorporate picture books into reading time.
What You Need
• Picture books without words
• Old magazines
• Safety scissors
• Construction paper
What to Do
The first activities below work well for babies and young toddlers. Older toddlers and preschoolers may enjoy the last two suggestions. Continue all activities as long as your child enjoys it. Keep stories fun!
• Look through the whole picture book with your child.
• Ask them to tell you what the stories is about. Verbal prompts like “First the… (pause)”, or “And after that the…(pause)” and an old favourite “Once upon a time…” can support a child during the retelling.
• Tell the story together by talking about each page from your perspectives, and ask your child what they think is happening.
• Encourage your child to name objects, animals, or people on each page.
• Talk about the pictures and ask if they look like real life. Be curious when they answer and listen to why they believe this. Look for objects around the home or outside from the pictures.
• Have your child tell a story to another child or family member using a picture book without words. This will make them feel like a “reader” and motivate them to keep learning to read. Remember to celebrate their success.
• Encourage your child to make their own picture book using their drawings or images cut from magazines with your help.
The next time you go to the library, look for some picture books without words to bring home. Enjoy exploring the illustrations. One picture book provides countless stories.
