Wordless picture books are magic tools that we can use in our classrooms to help students make connections and draw inferences effortlessly! 

Right about now, you might be thinking, Wait, really? Of what use are wordless picture books when teaching READING? How can students connect to the plot, characters, and themes if there are no words? That is a valid question. Let me show you!

The Benefits of Wordless Picture Books

Without using written or spoken words, wordless picture books tell a story through captivating illustrations – visual storytelling that grabs students’ attention and keeps them engaged. They challenge your students to craft their own narratives, relying on inference and connecting the dots through the gorgeous artwork. Wordless picture books provide many benefits for your students, sparking their imagination and fostering creativity. 

Do you recognize all those skills?! If you’re still skeptical about the academic use of books without words or wonder how your students can connect with the plot, characters, and themes taught without words, keep reading!

Let’s discover five compelling reasons why incorporating wordless picture books into your upper elementary classroom instruction can be a game-changer! 

• Promotes Critical Thinking: As students examine the illustrations in wordless picture books, they can flex their critical thinking muscles by observing, predicting, inferring, drawing conclusions about the story, and predicting the sequence of events. It’s like a visual puzzle that sparks their thinking skills and can send their thinking in so many different directions!

• Encourages Imagination, Creativity, and Flexible Thinking: Wordless picture books let students take the reins in envisioning characters and plots on a whole new level. Plus, they can dream up alternative endings and discuss their unique perspectives on characters, settings, and plots. 

• Relatable for ANY reading level: No reader is left behind with wordless picture books! These books are like the superheroes of inclusivity. Students of all levels can connect with and interpret the illustrations without language or reading barriers. It’s a win-win for every student at every grade level.

• Draws in reluctant readers: Reluctant readers in your class? Wordless picture books make “reading” accessible for every single student, even those who don’t love the idea of sitting down with a book. The captivating illustrations grab students’ attention, letting them explore the story visually. With various genres to choose from, there’s something for everyone’s taste.

• Communication: Let the talking begin! Reading without words means students absorb the plot through visuals, opening the door to meaningful conversations. Whether in book clubs or classroom discussions, sharing interpretations fosters communication skills. Students can practice their oral language skills and comprehension by retelling the plot and narrating each page of the story using their creative imagination. It’s a vocab fiesta as students describe the story in their own words!

• Writing Time: This might be one of my favorite things about wordless picture books – unleashing storytellers! Wordless picture books are the perfect setup for storytelling adventures. Students can use their creative minds to craft their endings, expand the plot, theorize about potential dialogue, and describe story elements—all from their unique perspectives.
  
• English Language Learners (ELL): Wordless picture books are perfect for breaking language barriers, making your ELL students included and comfortable. Language becomes a breeze as students interpret plots, make inferences, and build language skills—all while using illustrations to share their insights. It’s a common ground for students, fostering connections even if languages differ.

My Favorite Wordless Picture Books

If you’re ready to start incorporating wordless picture books into your classroom, here are a few of my favorites (Amazon affiliate links). I also added them to this Amazon shopping list for easy browsing.

• Stormy
• Journey: Aaron Beckers Wordless Trilogy
• Blizzard
• Mirror by Jeannie Baker
• Tuesday
• Flotsam
• Good Dog, Carl

More Book Resources and Recommendations

Looking for more ideas? Head to these posts for even more picture book resources and recommendations!