BLOGS > MAY 1, 2019
BY NICOLE STROUP
Picture books benefit all learners at any age, but they are particularly crucial in aiding English Language Learner (ELL) students with bridging language, developing vocabulary and supporting academic standards and global concepts.
As a reading specialist who worked in a low-income district with many ELL and bilingual students, I would always help bridge the concepts and language my students were trying to develop with picture books. Picture books can be used with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. However, when choosing a picture book to use, educators must be careful to select appropriate books for the concept and goals at hand.
Some considerations to make when choosing a picture book for your lesson are:
Picture books typically are a length that is manageable for instruction and practice for all students. Regardless of our background or cultures, we experience global and universal themes throughout our lives, and picture books are great way to explore these topics with students.
Picture books also let teachers model skills and strategies that all learners develop throughout their educational careers. An idea is to start with fairy tales, fables and myths as many of these stories have similarities across cultures and provide some background students from diverse cultures may already have. This allows those students to make quick connections and lessen their anxiety about being in a new place.
Picture books are rich in vocabulary and offer an array of new words from cover to cover. Tuning in to interesting words was one of the most engaging lessons my students were taught, as I was able to excite them about new and interesting words. Picture books provide visual representation for students and help them interact with a text in so many other ways than chapter books can.
The support of picture books helps build strong readers who can navigate more complex text with little to no visual representation. Try using wordless picture books with your students too!
Many of these books allow for multiple interpretations which provide great discussions with students. This also helps students develop their language skills as they talk through the story and their thinking. Most importantly, picture books should not stop with our young students. There are terrific, if not even more provoking, picture books out there for older students, which lend themselves to higher levels of critical thinking.
Explore the books teachers have read so far for #classroombookaday on Titlewave.
NICOLE STROUP
Regional Office of Education, Lake County IL
With over 10 years of experience in education, Nicole Stroup has been instrumental in supporting staff development, leading teachers, and developing curriculum for districts throughout Lake County. She has rich experience as both an instructional coach and ELA Content Facilitator. She has enhanced the professional learning experience of teachers throughout our area and brings both enthusiasm and a passion for instructional coaching and literacy to her new role. With a Master’s Degree in both Reading Instruction and Educational Leadership, she is committed to serving Lake County schools and districts as a support for English Language Arts curriculum, school improvement, and professional development. Nicole’s broad experience includes teaching at the elementary level as well as supporting school library media staff on library improvements. She emphasizes flexible learning environments, passion for content, and a desire to support the professional learning needs of Lake County educators. Nicole resides in Volo, IL with her husband and young daughter. In her leisure, Nicole enjoys golfing and supports her local girl’s gymnastics team as a coach.
Preview exciting fall 2025 eGalleys from Capstone!
September 15, 2025
We’ve partnered with Capstone and NetGalley* to provide digital access to 15 upcoming nonfiction and fiction titles releasing January 1, 2026. You’ll want to take advantage of this early access so you can then preorder the titles you love on...
Read more
Why the Food Group Series Continues to Take the Cake
September 15, 2025
From The Bad Seed to The Smart Cookie, Jory John and Pete Oswald’s Food Group series has become a staple in classrooms and libraries across the country. With its clever characters, laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt lessons, and captivating illustrations, the series has helped educators...
Read more
2025 Fall Into Reading Giveaway with Orca Book Publishers
September 15, 2025
Three lucky winners will receive these new Orca releases – including both fiction and nonfiction – for their collection. Don’t miss out! Enter our giveaway by October 13, 2025 for your chance to win. Enter Today All the Things We FoundBy Joanne...
Read more
What We're Reading - September 2025 Edition
August 13, 2025
Welcome to another installment of What We’re Reading, a space where we share the titles we’re currently devouring – especially the ones that transport us to magical worlds filled with mythical creatures and daring adventures.This month, we’re diving into Impossible...
Read more
August 1, 2025
Camp Out with a Good Book: Fall 2025 Book eFairsDiscover some of the most anticipated books coming to Follett Book eFairs this fall in the Title Highlight Flyers below. Then, don’t miss the next chapter in our fun-filled camping adventure...
Read more
Unbeatable Deals on Favorite Next-in-Series Books
July 15, 2025
Plot twist! For a limited time only, Follett Content is offering next-in-series releases at an amazing preorder discount. These hit series are beloved by readers of all ages, and the new installments are sure to be favorites in your classroom or...
Read more