reading 2When teachers sit down with their class to read a picture book, they often take a few minutes to prepare the children to both enjoy the book more and understand it better. They do a “picture walk” through the book.

A picture walk is more than just looking at the pictures. The purpose is to build a support system for the reading to come. They share the title of the book and ask a few questions. “Corduroy. Hmmm, I wonder if this little stuffed bear is named Corduroy? What do you think?” They might look through the pictures, stopping at several, showing them to the class and asking a few more questions. “What is he doing in this picture? Is he happy or sad?

And so goes the picture walk. Here are the reasons teachers take the time to explore a new book before reading it and they’re the same reasons you should do one when reading to your children at home.

  • You’re identifying the vocabulary that will be used in the text.
  • You’re identifying the main characters, the setting and a bit of the plot.
  • You’re building anticipation for the action in the story.
  • You’re modeling the kinds of questions good readers will ask in the future.
  • You’re increasing listeners’ desire to become independent readers.
  • You’re showing your own interest in the book, building motivation.

If you’ve never done a picture walk before reading a new story to your children, try it. I think you’ll find an increased enthusiasm for story time and you’ll have taken another step in building a literate home.