4. Why Picture Books
Picture books are non threatening (shorter, pictures)
Picture books are focused
Picture books set a purpose for learning
Picture books provide a common knowledge background
Picture books activate thinking on a visual level
Picture books build reading comprehension
Picture books provide examples of figurative language and writing techniques
Picture books can breathe life into dry facts and figures
Picture books can make abstract concepts concrete
Picture books can teach critical thinking skills
Picture books can tell their stories with amazing illustrations
Picture books are fun

5. Universal themes (Picture books Across the Curriculum p.16)
Abandonment
Conflict
Fame
Interdependence
Point of View
Tolerance
Acceptance
Conflict Resolution
Family
Isolation
Possibilities
Tradition
Accomplishment
Fear
Justice
Power
Tragedy
Adventure
Conformity
Forgiveness
Kindness
Prejudice
Transformation
Anxiety
Connections
Freedom
Leadership
Pride
Uncertainty
Appreciation
Consequences
Friendship
Loneliness
Problem Solving
Virtue
Appreciation of
Consideration
Generations
Loss
Reciprocity
Wisdom
Nature
Cooperation
Goals
Love
Reflection
Work
Attitude
Courage
Gratitude
Loyalty
Relationships
Balance
Cycles
Heroism
Magnitude
Relativity
Belonging
Denial
Honesty
Memory
Resourcefulness
Brotherhood
Determination
Honor
Respect
Cause and Effect
Devotion
Hope
New Experiences
Responsibility
Challenge
Differences
Humility
Opportunity
Self Awareness
Change
Dignity
Humor
Optimism
Self Discipline
Choices
Discovery
Identity
Order vs. Chaos
Self Esteem
Collaboration
Empathy
Imagination
Origins
Self Respect
Coming of Age
Enthusiasm
Individuality
Parallelism
Self Sacrifice
Commitment
Environment
Influence
Patience
Sensitivity
Communication
Escape
Ingenuity
Patriotism
Social Change
Community Culture
Excellence
Initiation
Patterns
Structure
Exploration
Innocence
Peace
Success
Compassion
Facing Fear
Innovation
Peer Pressure
Survival
Compromise
Fairness
Inspiration
Perseverance
Sympathy
Concern
Faith
Integrity
Perspectives
Systems

6. Writing Techniques
Adding details -Adding a details after a fact makes it more interesting to read
Similes - Using like or as to compare two things that are not really alike (wise as an owl, busy as a bee)
Anchor lines- a repeated line throughout a story (There was an old lady who swallowed a …)
First Impressions- books that start with a problem, dialogue or conversation, simple statement or fact, a question, an action , a sound
Voice- Characters have a voice and give great meaning to the story
Six senses- Words that describe the six senses (sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, feeling) vocabulary
Writing in the third person – First person is when the writer is telling the story, third person is when the person sounds like they are outside of the story

7. Writing Techniques
Personification- when writers write about an object as if it were a person , they add human qualities to an inanimate object (The Tortoise and the Hare)
Dialogue- when characters are talking in a story
Onomatopoeia- when the writer uses sound words (oink, bang)
Alliteration – Repetition of initial consonant sounds (she sells seashells by the seashore)
 Flashback- Interruption of a present action to insert an event that happened earlier to make the current situation make sense
Irony- A contrast - between expectation and reality- between what is said and what is meant, between what appears to be true and what really is true, between what is expected and what actually happens. Cinderella is a good example.
Parody – a humorous , but recognisable, imitation of literature, art or music for the purpose of amusement or ridicule. The True Story of the Three little Pigs and fractured fairy tales

8. Activities 1.Distribute and read over the handout
2. Divide into two small groups. Each teacher will read a story. Listen to the story and record examples of literary devices on the handout.
Suggested read alouds
The Matchbox Diary- 10 min
Students: Think about the universal theme(s) in the and look for writing techniques
The Peace Book- Todd Parr- 10 min for both stories
Mmm, Cookies!- Rober Munsch
The matchbox - Similies, adding details and flashbacks
The Peace Book- Anchor lines
Mmm, cookies- onomatopeia, dialogue

9. Whole Class Activity Explore and read the picture books
find examples of all the writing techniques (if you can) and record on blackline master
write down the main universal theme “big idea” of the stories you read on blackline master
Closing: Present a book of choice
- Share the universal theme and writing techniques used (can read the whole story or just summarise)

10. References
Workshop notes from Picture Books Across the Curriculum, presented by Keith Schoch
Reading and Writing Power by Adrienne Geer