Integrating Picture Book Thematic Text Sets: Engaging all readers in literacy

development across the curriculum Grades K-7

Luz Carime Bersh, Ph. D.National Louis UniversityFlorida Regional Campus

April, 2011

Workshop description:This workshop gives teachers grades 8-12 practical information about the use

of picture book thematic text sets to integrate across the curriculum

Objectives:1. To explore contemporary picture books within thematic

text sets on diverse topics of interest to children.2. To make connections on how this literature format can

be integrated across the curriculum and support reading comprehension for readers at a variety of reading levels.

3. To appreciate how picture book thematic text sets can raise interest even in low-level readers and can offer a valuable literary experience as they learn about content areas.

4. To apply strategies to engage readers in follow up writing experiences as a way of improving overall literacy skills.

Katze Babe

Please?

Teaching with Picture Books and Thematic Text Sets

Picture Books• Support language & literacy

development: R,W, S,L,V.• Power of imagery in conveying meaning:

Visual literacy foundation for reading for meaning.

• Images complement text.• Learn about topics of interest that

connect with their own experiences and those of others.

• Support ELL’s with comprehension.• Broad span of complexity: Accessible to

readers in different developmental stages.

• Children enjoy books with attractive images and learn to appreciate the aesthetic value of the illustrations.

• Thematic Text sets• Multiple options to read widely about

one topic. • Engage in reading content about

different subjects: E.g. Science, Social Studies.

• Support comprehension at different levels of complexity.

• Exposure to different literary genres: Rich literary experiences.

• Positive psychosocial benefits: awareness, respect, therapeutic, appreciation of self, others and the world around them.

• Multiple sources from which to respond through multiple learning experiences (including art, drama, music).

What are themes of interest to children?

Children enjoy all kinds of picture books

• They enjoy stories about animals, children, experiences with which they can identify.

• They enjoy poetry and books that play with words.

• They enjoy learning about the world around them and about issues that are pertinent to their age and maturity level. As children go through puberty, the topics of interest change but they still enjoy picture books.

Appendices:

• Key terms and ideas about picture books.

• Tips for reading aloud.• Criteria for evaluating

picture books.• Criteria for evaluating non-

fiction picture books.

• Biographical study worksheet.

• Graphic organizer for thematic text set.

• Follow-up writing prompts• Workshop evaluation form