Why Big Books?

Written by: Pat Hancock

 

There's something spectacular about Big Books versions of good children's books. Neither adults nor children can resist the urge to touch and hold them, to savor the richness of their detail. Their visual appeal is a sure hook into their content.

But Big Books are also produced for pedagogical reasons and using them in the classroom makes good teaching sense. It's now accepted beyond question that an abundance of good children's literature in their lives is vitally important for young children as they strive toward independent reading. Big Books can help you extend -or for some less fortunate children, to establish- the positive effects of home lap-reading experiences. Large print and colorful illustrations allow whole classrooms to share good stories, memorable poems, and interesting books of fact. And especially when used with small groups (up to eight children), Big Books enrich oral language development through your modeled reading through risk-free participation by the children in subsequent reading and discussions, and through the meaningful teaching of skill within context- all positive and therefore powerful learning experiences.