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Step 1
Select a book that has great illustrations. Many of the components of literature that are expressed in writing for secondary levels is conveyed in the illustration of a picture book. Students can use inferences to conclude pertinent information such as character, setting, tone, mood and action based on each picture.
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Step 2
Examine the text that accompanies each coinciding illustration. Picture books rely on the illustration to help tell the story, so the text is usually written in a very clear and concise way, leaving the major descriptors and sensory details in the picture itself.
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Step 3
Use the book to identify plot two different ways. Have the students create a plot chart using the text only, then one using the illustrations only. Compare the two plot charts and examine similarities and differences between the two. Look for how the pictures and text add greater meaning to the plot.
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Step 4
Create a character and setting profile using the text alone. Before showing the students the illustrations, read the text aloud. Have the students draw their own interpretations of the main characters, setting and actions they believe to be most important. Compare their illustrations with those in the book.
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Step 5
Assign the students to write their own picture book. Not only is this a creative exploration of literature and art, it allows the student and teacher to address writing objectives such as plot, character development, tone, grammar and punctuation.
