Standard: 3.RL.7 – Explain how specific aspects of a text’s illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting).
Grade level: Grade 3
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Reading: Literature
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students understand the role of illustrations in storytelling. By analyzing how pictures contribute to the narrative, students can gain a deeper appreciation and comprehension of the text. This skill is crucial as it enhances their ability to interpret and enjoy literature. Students should be able to identify and describe basic story elements and understand how to interpret visual details in illustrations.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to analyze more complex texts and illustrations, understanding how both elements work together to enhance storytelling. They will also be better prepared to create their own illustrated stories.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that illustrations are merely decorative. This is incorrect because illustrations often provide essential context, mood, and character insights that the text alone may not convey.
Intervention 1
Use side-by-side comparisons of text with and without illustrations to demonstrate how illustrations add meaning. Encourage students to discuss how their understanding of the story changes with the addition of pictures.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that the text alone tells the whole story. This is incorrect because illustrations often fill in gaps, provide additional context, and enhance the reader’s understanding of the narrative.
Intervention 2
Have students practice ‘reading’ a story through its illustrations first and then reading the text to see how both elements work together to tell the story. This will help them appreciate the role of illustrations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand basic story elements such as characters, settings, and plot. They should also be familiar with how to describe pictures and their details.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop the ability to critically analyze how illustrations and visual elements enhance storytelling in more complex texts. They will also learn to create their own illustrations that complement their writing.
Instructional Activities
- Picture Walk: Before reading a story, look through the illustrations and predict what the story is about.
- Illustration Analysis: Choose a page from a book and discuss how the illustration adds to the text.
- Mood Matching: Identify the mood of a story’s illustration and find words in the text that match that mood.
- Character Emphasis: Discuss how an illustration highlights specific traits of a character.
