Using Picture Books to Teach Literary Techniques

This is one of my short posts where I say, "Hey, I found something cool! Let's go get it."

In this case, the cool thing is a terrific article titled Using Picture Books to Teach Literary Techniques. Written by author and long-time picture book advocate Shutta Crum, this downloadable resource describes ways to use picture books to teach literary devices (aka figurative language) and provides teachers with a nice starter list of books.

Among her other useful articles for teachers you'll find Simple Plot Structures, a must-have for any teacher who wants students to understand traditional, effective constructs of stories.

Be sure to check out Shutta's own books including Thunder Boomer, Bravest of the Brave, and My Mountain Song. (For middle school teachers, also be sure to check out the novel Spitting Image and the related activities).

Her web site provides awesome resources designed for teachers and media specialists, including printable resources for her own picture books. You gotta love an author who takes this extra step! Overall, her site and her books are a gift to lovers and teachers of picture books everywhere.

Be sure to check out my upcoming posts on the topics of Invention, Art, Animal Communities, and the Civil War. Clever titles to come.