How to Use Picture Books With Special Education Students
- 1). Identify needs. Along with academic needs, your students may have a variety of challenges that can impede learning. While it is vital to know your students' reading and comprehension abilities, it is also important to understand their social/emotional, medical and family challenges.
- 2). Find literature. Look for picture books and graphic novels that address the academic and emotional needs of your students. The Middle School Journal recommends choosing books that you enjoy because your enthusiasm will be contagious as you read to the students. As you find these books, you will build a classroom library that will provide targeted assistance. Classroom libraries provide easy access to students searching for an interesting book.
- 3). Conduct pre-reading exercises. Before reading a book to the class or assigning a reading project, discuss the pictures and theme of the book. Ask leading questions and entertain thoughtful discussion. This creates anticipation and engages students.
- 4). Read together. You may read to the whole class or assign individual students to take turns reading aloud. An additional method is to have the class break into small work groups to read. Encourage your students to then reread the book on their own or listen in audio format for reinforcement.
- 5). Review the main ideas. Highlighting the main idea is one way to help students understand the content, according to the Chicago Special Education Guide. Include the pictures in review discussions of the main ideas of the book. Additional review methods include retelling the story, acting out the story and drawing pictures of the story. Confirm that your students grasp the material.
- 6). Discuss feelings. If the book is being used as part of bibliotherapy to address behaviors, life situations or medical diagnoses, ask students how they feel about the story. Help them make practical applications and set goals.