I love using picture books. Anytime I can, I do. I find that they engage and excite my students instantly.
As teachers, we have the students who love writing and the ones who would rather be doing anything else. This year, my class is filled with students who despise writing. I am constantly trying to find ways to hook and engage them. I have found that starting a writing unit with a genre dive is a great way to expose and excite students.
What is a genre dive?
Students read books all within a similar genre. So for example, if I am about to start an opinion writing unit, I will find opinion writing books. Students will then read a book in the genre and identify key elements and what made the book engaging.
Why have students participate in a genre dive?
Reading books exposes students to new genres. Students pay attention to the unique features for each genre. This helps students have a deep understanding of the purpose of the genre, identify key elements and writing techniques used in each genre. Once students are able to spot these attributes, it makes it easier for them to include them in their own writing.
How do I set up a genre dive in my classroom?
Prior to beginning a new writing unit, find picture books that are a part of the genre. Then, give students a simple graphic organizer to use to write down their noticings. I prefer using actual books for this genre dive. I will divide my class into groups of 2-3 and give each group a book. When they finish they switch it out for a new book. Another option is to make a digital genre dive. You can link to YouTube read alouds of the books. This is a good option if you want to make them a homework assignment or don’t have enough picture books accessible to you.
Some of my favorite narrative writing books:
Some of my favorite opinion writing books:
Some of my favorite informational writing books:
As I continue through the writing unit, I often refer back to these picture books. We use them as models or to reinforce teaching points. For example, we are in a narrative writing unit right now. This week, I am doing a zooming in lesson. I will re-read Jabari Jumps during that mini-lesson to help illustrate my teaching points.
So tell me…do you love picture books? What are your favorite writing mentor texts?
