Abstract:
Teaching and learning requires a delicate balance of dedication, willingness, and innovation. Teachers step into a classroom with students who often have the desire to learn, but each do it differently. The teacher is then faced with the challenge of discovering how each student acquires the information. As an English language arts teacher, I realize that not all of my students will possess my passion for reading and writing. However, it is my goal to reach every one of my learners in finding their niche in the English language arts classroom. Students are bombarded with visual images every day - the Internet, magazines, television, etc. However, much of the focus in education revolves around linguistical expression and mathematical/logical skills. The scope of learning extends way beyond these two realms. The following research discusses the possibilities of incorporating picture books into the secondary classroom. Deeply rooted in Howard Gardner's theories of multiple intelligence and Louis Rosenblatt's transactional theory of reading, this research explores the many benefits picture books can offer to visual learners and to those students who are searching for more interaction with a text.Following the research is a picture book story developed after I concluded my research. It is still in the process of being illustrated by a fellow Ball State University art student. I have included descriptions of the plans for the pictures with the text.
