You check out a book and later discover that there aren't any words in it! What do you do now?
Wordless picture books are told entirely through their illustrations —
they are books without words, or sometimes just a few words. Sharing
wordless books with a child provides an opportunity for
literacy-rich
conversations. Each "reader" listens and speaks, and creates their own
story in their own words. Sharing wordless books also reinforces the
idea that the story and the pictures are connected.
Elementary-aged students often enjoy writing down their original story
to accompany a wordless book.
Below are a few tips for sharing wordless picture books with a child:
- Recognize that there are no "right" or "wrong" ways to read a
wordless book. One of the wonderful benefits of using wordless books is
how each child creates his own story (or stories!) from the same
pictures.
- Spend time looking at the cover and talking about the book's title.
Based on those two things, make a few predictions about the story.
- Take a "picture walk" through the pages of the book. Enjoy the
illustrations, which are often rich with detail. Look carefully at the
expressions on characters' faces, the setting and the use of color. Talk
to each other about what you see. These conversations will enrich the
storytelling.
- Enjoy the pictures and point out a few things, but don't worry too
much about telling a story yet. Just enjoy the pictures and get a sense
of what the book is about.
- Go back through the book a second time and get ready for some great
storytelling! Consider going first and acting as a model for your
child. Ham it up! Have characters use different voices, add sound
effects and use interesting words in your version of the book.
- Encourage your child to "read" you the book with his story. Focus
on the words your child uses when he tells the story. Help your child
expand his sentences or thoughts by encouraging him to add information
from the illustration's details. One way to encourage more details is by
asking "W" questions: Who? Where? When? Why?
- Finish your wordless book sharing by asking a few simple questions:
What pictures helped you tell the story? What was your favorite part of
your story? Have you had an experience like the one in your story?
Sharing wordless books is a terrific way to build important literacy
skills, including listening skills, vocabulary, comprehension — and an
increased awareness of how stories are "built," as the storyteller often
uses a beginning, middle, end format. For a book with few words, you'll
be surprised at all the talking you will do, and all the fun you'll
have!
Thanks to Reading Rockets for putting together this
article. Check out their website,
ReadingRockets.org, for more literacy-related resources.
Here are some books from McMinnville's library collection. Or search on your own for Genre books
"Stories without words"
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| Cool Cat by Nancy Hogrogian |
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| Do You Want to Be My Friend? by Eric Carle |
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| The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney |
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| Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie DePaola |
