Luz Carime Bersh, Ph. D.National Louis UniversityFlorida Regional Campus

April, 2011

Integrating picture book thematic text sets: Engaging all readers in literacy development across the curriculum

Grades 8-12

Workshop description:This workshop gives teachers grades 8-12 practical information about the use of picture book thematic text sets to integrate across the curriculum

Objectives:1. To explore contemporary picture books within

thematic text sets on diverse topics of interest to youth.

2. To make connections on how this literature format can be integrated across the curriculum and support reading comprehension for readers at a variety of reading levels.

3. To appreciate how picture book thematic text sets can raise interest even in low-level readers and can offer a valuable literary experience as they learn about content areas.

4. To apply strategies to engage readers in follow up writing experiences as a way of improving overall literacy skills.

Picture Books Support language & literacy

development: R,W, S,L,V. Power of imagery in conveying

meaning. Images complement text. In media-literacy era, adolescents

are attracted to visuals & short text.

Awareness of different issues of interest that connect with their own experiences and those of others.

Support ELL’s with comprehension. Broad span of complexity:

Accessible to all readers. Picture books are for everyone:

Ages 0-100

Multiple options to read widely about one topic. Choice is important for adolescents.

Engage in reading content about different subjects: E.g. Science, Social Studies.

Support comprehension of complex issues (e.g. racism, mental illnesses)- diverse perspectives.

Exposure to different literary genres: Rich literary experiences.

Positive psychosocial benefits: awareness, respect, therapeutic, appreciation of self and others.

Teaching with Picture Books and Thematic Text Sets

Thematic Text sets

What are adolescents’ interests?

Secrets relationships sex sexuality reproduction

pregnancy bullying uncertainties changes identity

mental-illness depression anorexia body-image body

acceptance validation uncertainties peers love feelings emotions religion suicide death gangs drugs

abuse alcohol eating-disorders racism

role-models extreme-weather natural-disasters

experiences

Adolescents are interested in what happens in THEIR world

Appendices:Key terms and ideas

about picture books.Tips for reading

aloud.Criteria for

evaluating picture books.

Criteria for evaluating non-fiction picture books.

Biographical study worksheet.

Graphic organizer for thematic text set.

Follow-up writing prompts

Workshop evaluation form