Picture books are essential to well-rounded classrooms! They are even more important, though, to future classrooms as we evolve, grow, and change as a society. One reason why picture books are critical for teachers, caregivers, and children to utilize is because “they represent a unique visual and literary art form that engages young readers and older readers in many levels of learning and pleasure.”
As the first article discusses, although there are many different spellings out in the world to spell “picture book,” perhaps the compound word “picturebook” is the best! This particular spelling highlights and acknowledges the pairing of text and artwork. In picturebooks, essentially, the words and images work together to tell a story. And, because in the society/world today, we often look to symbols, pictures, images, etc. to tell us information (as the article explains), picturebooks are like the bridge to the future.
However, it is important to note that “in a picturebook, words and pictures never tell exactly the same story.” On the other hand, though, it is this difference that makes readers intrigued and interested. In short, it is harder to be passive or disengaged when reading a picturebook, too. This article goes over many different aspects of picture books (like the fact that they include static images that make readers infer and really analyze, for instance), and it concludes with the idea that, “They [Picturebooks] should be central to the future work of teaching, learning, and research” as they are “vital spaces for collaboration and inquiry.”
The article gives a good example with regards to color in pictures (that may be found in picturebooks). For example, it is learned that certain colors represent certain emotions. “When children encounter the extensive use of red in story illustrations, if they are familiar with cultural associations for the color, they are likely to perceive anger, danger, or love depending on the context of the color’s use in the illustration.” I also agree with Sipe as I believe that these color associations, just as an example, are learned. However, we people may not realize that we have been trained and conditioned to a certain extent to associate red with certain emotions, for instance. These associations have been ingrained. I have seen this in my own work, service, and fieldwork. For example, through the AmeriCorps program called Jumpstart where I serve each week, every classroom has a “mood board” where the children are told to put their picture depending on wherever their mood is at that moment. There is red (for angry), blue (for sad), green (for calm), and yellow (for happy).
Picturebooks are also very useful, as stated in the article, when it comes to characterization and character development. Pictures help develop characters and the story/stories in general. (Even just the simply placing of characters on a page in a book makes a difference).Plus, instead of the author telling everything to readers explicitly, readers can look at illustrations and make their own conclusions. For example, students can be SHOWN instead of always TOLD what is happening in the story and this, as one would expect, makes reading enjoyable along with a host of other benefits. It also does not undermine readers’ abilities.
I especially liked how, at the end of the article, there was a text box that included some action steps for readers and/or teachers. One of my favorites says, “In preparing to read aloud a picturebook, think about the characters- what are they like, how do they feel, how do they change? How do the illustrations help in conveying this information [or message]?” The other questions or things to keep in mind are essential too, but I think it is great that some books include so many enriching and complex illustrations. Picturebooks are great tools for teachers, caregivers and readers and should be incorporated into any classroom, undoubtedly. This is just one of the reasons why I have started collecting a bin of picture books for my future classroom. I cannot wait to discuss these books with my future students and help develop their skills!
Emma's Education 307 Class 