Picture book activities add fun to the reading experience. We know how to read a picture book, starting with the book cover. Children can tell you the title, author and identify the main character. After taking a picture walk they can predict what the story might be about. Then you are ready to read the book and make connections throughout the book. The fun does not end there. Here are a few ideas that will help parents and children enjoy picture books even more.
- Pantomime or act out part of the story.
- Count objects that are in the pictures.
- Find letters of the alphabet throughout the book.
- Make a movie trailer.
- Find and name several shapes in the illustrations.
- Play “I Spy” with objects in the pictures.
- Look for familiar sight words and create a list.
- Trace a picture from the book and color it.
- Write a new ending for the book.
- Retell the story using only the pictures.
- Write a 2-3 sentence book review.
- Write a letter to the author. Tell them what you liked or didn’t like.
- Draw a picture of your favorite part of the story.
Thoughts
These are only a few of my favorite picture book activities. Picture book activities help children to better understand the story, parts of the book, the role of illustrations, as well as fluency, vocabulary and other literacy skills. It is important for children to make connections with what they read and to enjoy the reading experience. Let me know if you try any of these activities or which ones you like the best.
*There will be no blog post next week. It is July 4th and I will be celebrating with family. I wish you and your families a very Happy Canada Day (July 1st) and a Happy 4th of July (US).
With gratitude …
I am so glad you’re here and I thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you.
My website has been updates and it is now interactive. There are surprises everywhere. Click on the balloons and see where they take you. Can you find two writing videos? Freebies? A chocolate chip recipe? There’s even a special freebie to anyone who subscribes to my newsletter. Check out the resources for children, parents and teachers, librarians and homeschooling families.
Please consider purchasing a copy of Two Wins for Wiley or Gertie Saves the Day for gifts. If you are going to a baby shower, birthday party or thinking about books for summer reading. It is my wish to get as many books as I can into the hands of children. Children need to hear all kinds of stories. A book is the best gift I can think of for both children and adults!
A request …
You can really help this author by leaving a book review on Amazon or Goodreads. You can leave a review for Gertie Saves the Day here or here. Two Wins for Wiley here or here. Reviews can be as easy as 2-3 sentences. It should take about 30 seconds to leave and would make a huge difference for me. Need help writing a review? Click here.
