There are lots of benefits to reading wordless books! Literacy is not simply about decoding words, but also involves understanding subtext and the ability to make inferences, so learning how to “read” stories beyond literal text is very important. Wordless book have to tell the story without text, so they are the perfect tool for enhancing reading comprehension.
When answering your questions, kids start to understand story elements like plot, character, conflict, theme and even symbolism. It lays a terrific foundation for down the road, when they are learning to write and create their own stories in school (or at home).
General questions are a good way to get started. There’s nothing wrong with simplicity!
What do you see in the picture?
What is happening?
Who is here?
When opening a book for the first time, ask your child questions about the setting.
Where does this story take place?
What is the weather, season, day?
Is there anything unusual or familiar about the setting?
What sorts of things do people do in a place like this?
Spend time discussing the emotions of the story’s characters.
1) What do you think he/she/it wants?
2) Why do you think he/she/it wants it?
3) What is the character thinking?
4) What is the character feeling?
5) Are they happy? Sad? Angry?
Be sure to ask anticipatory questions! Anticipatory questions get kids eager to find out what happens next and keep “reading.”
What will happen next?
What do you think should happen?
What is a character going to do next?
What choices could a character make?
ENCOURAGE CHILD-LED NARRATION:
Get your child to tell you the story himself! Not only will this take the pressure off you, child-led narration exercises his imagination, oral skills. It even encourages him to use new vocabulary.
Ask how the book affects your child.
1) Are you happy or sad?
2) Did you think that character’s action was good or bad?
3) Do you think you could do things differently?