Children have more ideas and thoughts in their heads than we realize. Their brains are gigantic sponges; they see it all and hear it all. The last part to develop, and the most important, is verbalizing everything that is in their brain. In order to do that, they need words, lots of words- and then more words.
Writing picture stories brings thinking and language together. It empowers children. They tell me their story and watch me write each word. Then I read them their story, carefully pointing to every word. Children then illustrate their story, bringing language full circle.
It’s all about language. The more words a child hears, the better s/he will do in school in all subject areas. Period. Now, if that doesn’t make every parent run to the library, and make every teacher institute multiple ways of promoting language, then I will keep shouting this loud and clear.
How simple; increase the number of words and a child does better in school. Write about it, and the child wants to do better. Win-win.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
What a wonderful approach to illumnating this important fact, Jennie.
Thank you, Mitch.
Your children are so accomplished for their age.
That’s proof of what all my reading aloud does. 🙂Thanks, GP.
Exactly, but then you carry it a step further by showing them what the words look like!
Ah! You are right! Thank you for that.
Such a simple recipe for success, Jennie. And you’ve had more than enough visits from former students to know that it works.
Yes it is, and yes it does. Thank you, Dan.
This is a fantastic message! And the drawings / stories from the kids are fantastic, too. Now I want to be a purple tiger who walks a tightrope 🙂
Thank you, Dave. It’s pretty amazing what all the language and reading aloud does. Of course I want to be that purple tiger on the tightrope, too. When she told me the story I asked about purple, but she was determined to be purple. Made me smile a big smile.
we write a picture story for memorize of someone it is very important for history
I love their varied choices! In the UK Tigers and Elephants are not allowed in a circus, (no wild animals at all) so presumably the choices of British children would be different.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, so many different choices, and wonderful stories. There are no elephants today. We look through the big Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey circus programs, and they love the elephants. Best to you, Pete.
great advice, Jennie.
I am happy to see that at least one student wants to be a clown if they join the circus! A great opportunity to teach your students how to juggle 🙂
Big smiles here. Thank you, Jim.
I’ve become a believer in picture book though the term ‘graphic novel’ fits us adults better. Pictures often communicate what words can’t.
Yes, pictures communicate and say what words cannot. The expression, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ is true. When it comes to picture books, pictures make the words in the story come alive, and they also connect story and language. That’s a big deal. Graphic novel is for MS or YA readers, something that would be confusing for the young ones. Thanks, Jacqui.
Picture books can be a great starting point for a child’s imagination. It’s almost like a stop motion video that then carries on in their heads.
Well said, Anneli!
Books play such an important part in the advancement of a child’s cognitive skills. You do such a good job of that, Jennie. Thanks for sharing these examples. They made my day.
Yes, books do just that! If I didn’t read aloud, children wouldn’t have all that language to tell their story in our picture stories. I’m so glad you enjoyed their stories!
😀❤️
They sure are advanced thanks to you, Jennie
They are, and it’s really because of all the reading aloud I do. So, I thank the authors of the wonderful books I read. They write the words, I read the words, and kids ‘get’ the words.
A terrific message, Jennie.
Thank you, John.
😊
When I was in school, I much preferred learning new words through reading and conversation to the dreaded vocabulary quiz. Your Aqua Roomers are getting a firm foundation for literacy of all kinds, starting with language.
Oh, the dreaded vocabulary quiz! It was awful. I know you are right, because a 3-year-old typically does not have that language for the picture stories, unless they have heard many books read to them. Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie. Your comment just jogged a memory loose I’d completely forgotten. When my father read to me when I was very little, I would stop him to define words I didn’t know.
That’s a great memory, Liz. I’m so glad my comment jogged it loose for you.
😊
“If I were in the circus, I would be an elephant. “I would parade in a circle.” Extraordinary sophistication for a child to use parade as a verb.
Yes!! Honestly, it all comes down to reading aloud. These children hear me read books all the time. Yes, there is scheduled story time, but there is also random reading to children during choice time (which always draws a big crowd) and chapter reading. Jim Trelease was so right.
I loved being sent to my room as my punishment for whatever reason, as that is where my encyclopedias were waiting for me to explore their contents.
I love that story! I was a poor reader as a child, and the encyclopedia was not my friend. 🙂
Thanks, Jennie.
You’re welcome.
Lovely post, Jennie. Words are magical!
Yes, they are! Thank you, Cathy.
Love those Circus dreams… I especially like the Monkey one… haha…
Such clever little artists too 🙂
Wishing you a wonderful rest of your week Jennie xx ❤
Aren’t they wonderful? I love the monkey and his long red tail, too. 🥰 Thank you, Sue.
I used to love journal writing with Kindergarten and grade 1 students. They would draw their picture, then tell me about it and I would write what they told me. It took a lot of time, but it was so worth it when they “read” their stories to one another.
I always loved doing this with children, one of my favorite things, so worthwhile, for all of the reasons you stated, and I’m currently making. a book with a former student who I’m working one on one with and it’s a joy
Indeed it is one of the best activities, and also one of my favorites. How exciting that you and your former student are working on a book! A picture book?
win-win indeed
and I enjoyed reading the stories and the clown and ribbon carrier were favs
Yes! You picked some good faves.
🙂
A beautiful approach Jennie. It is good for children.
Thank you, Kamal.
You are right. This is why I wrote the Sir Chocolate books. To get Michael writing 🤗🌅
Yes! You did a wonderful thing with your Sir Chocolate books for Michael, and look how it grew.
Welcome Jennie 😊
Well said! I’m ALWAYS saying “Reading doesn’t go away in math! How can you possibly answer the question correctly, if you don’t READ it correctly?” And so many are in a rush to just get it done, they often don’t.
Hear, hear!
It gives me such joy to see their artwork, Jennie. The “If I were in the circus” prompt is a fabulous idea. It really woke up their already shining imaginations. Hugs.
Thanks so much, Teagan! I’m glad you enjoyed the art and stories. Hugs!
I love how you honour the children’s imaginations, Jennie:)).
Thanks so much, Sarah!