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Using Wordless Picture Books to Support Emergent Literacy

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Abstract

Wordless books—picture books that rely entirely on illustrations to tell a story—are an excellent resource for educators of young children. This article provides a research-based rationale for using wordless books, offers a developmental sequence for introducing children to stories told through pictures, suggests a general strategy and wide array of early literacy activities based on books without texts, and recommends ways of communicating with parents/families about the value of wordless books. Outstanding wordless books and examples of children's responses to this growing genre of children's literature are also included.

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Jalongo, M.R., Dragich, D., Conrad, N.K. et al. Using Wordless Picture Books to Support Emergent Literacy. Early Childhood Education Journal 29, 167–177 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014584509011

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014584509011

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