Bloem, P., & Padak, N. (1995). Picture Books, Young Adult Books, and Adult Literacy Learners. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 40(1), 7-7. Retrieved January 23, 2015, from ERIC.
Picture Books, Young Adult Books, and Adult Literacy Learners discusses the many possible uses for picture books in teaching literacy and content to older learners. Through the years, picture books have morphed into a "genre" that covers many ages and topics. Many picture books have become more complex and target an older audience, containing themes that are only appropriate for older students.
The article suggests that picture books may be especially useful for English Language Acquisition, science or GED classes, may be a great way to start a lesson, or introduce a topic. These stories may also be used as quality short examples of writing technique and literary use, or as journal prompts. Students are able to interview a classmate and write a short story. The Bloem and Padak include that reading shorter picture books with older learners is an ideal way to combine the elements of literacy. "An environment that combines learning to read with opportunities to listen, speak, write, and think is the most appropriate learning environment for adult literacy students (Weibel, 1994)."
There have now been several successful adult literacy programs which use children's picture books with adults. Additionally, programs to promote family literacy have surfaced, and been found very effective. Parents typically loo for additional books to enhance their own literacy level and improve their child's skills simultaneously.
Though this article is a bit out-dated, it demonstrates that we have been playing with this idea for some time. This concept could use further advancement, as I know there are still barriers to using picture books at a high school level for many teachers. Picture books are a great way to add support for a struggling reader or English Learner at the secondary level.
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