Two Ways to Use Picture Books
I love using picture books to teach social skills in special education groups. Students of all ages connect with the messages and benefit from the visuals. I use picture books to do one of two things: Introduce a new concept or reinforce a current learning target.
Using them with Older Students
When using them with my older students (in most case for me, my 5th through 8th graders) I typically start with a disclaimer that sounds something like this, “These books are for kids much younger than you but I like them. Please humor me and let me read them. If you end up liking them too you can tell me after. If not, you don’t have to listen.” It works! By page two most of my students are enthralled.
When I have older students that need a little more convincing, I invite kiddos from my younger grade levels in to join us for group. This works because most of the topics we address in social skills group are life long skills that all of my students can benefit from developing. I let my older student in on the lesson plan and explain to them that they are helping the younger students understand the big ideas from the book. It is amazing how my older students turn into tolerant role models (who love picture books) when we are joined by my littles.
When I read books aloud in my social groups I screen the content carefully. Each book is chosen with a focus on relevance. Of course good visuals are a plus too! Over the years a few books have emerged as clear favorites with my kiddos. (One book even draws consistent cheers from my fifth graders each time I bring it out!)
