Picture Walk Read-Aloud

Your Child Will Learn

How to use a book’s pictures to tell a story.

Here’s What to Do

1. Choose a picture book that tells a story (ideally one your child hasn’t read before or doesn’t know very well).
2. Point to and read the title of the book on the cover. Ask your child to look at the picture on the cover and predict what the story will be about.
3. Slowly flip through the book, page by page, without reading the words. Ask your child questions about each picture.
4. Encourage your child to tell their own story based on the pictures.

Put PEER Into Action

PAUSE

• Sit in your reading space. Close your eyes and take a deep breath together.

ENGAGE

• “What do you see on the cover? What do you think might happen in this story?”
• “What is happening in this picture? Who do you see? What are they doing? Why do they look happy?”

ENCOURAGE

• Give your child clues to help them tell the story, like: “It looks like they’re riding the bus. Where do you think they’re going?”
• Your child may pause or give short answers to your questions. Try to avoid answering them yourself or telling the story yourself.

REFLECT

• “What did you like about making up the story instead of listening to me read?”

Not Quite Ready

Just ask your child to notice what’s happening in each picture, skip having them tell the story on their own.

Ready for More

Read a picture book with your child. Without looking at the book, see if your child can re-tell the story to you.

As Your Child Masters This Skill

They will look at a book’s pictures to help them understand the story, and be able to answer questions about books.

Time to Complete

10 minutes

Materials Needed

A picture book that tells a story