Recently I have become somewhat obsessed with interactive books. Well not exactly recently unless 11 years ago counts. Maybe it's more of a re-obsession. Why? It's easy! I love that they allow children to fold, press, touch, search, sing, and chant. There is a wide variety of interactive books, from coloring books to hidden object books, from touch and feel books to interactive notebooks, from pop-up books to eBooks, and the list goes on and on. Here are four main reasons why I love interactive books!
Interactive books accommodate multiple learning styles at the same time. Depending on the type of interactive book you use, you can incorporate several different types of learning styles to maximize learning. Some of the most common types of styles found in interactive books include visual (using pictures/images and tapping into spatial awareness), aural (using sound/music), verbal (using words through written and spoken expression), physical (using movement and touch), and social (learning in groups or with others). While there are additional learning styles, these appear to be the most commonly found when using interactive books.
Interactive books accommodate multiple skills at the same time. Being efficient with larger groups in a short amount of time is always challenging. I feel productive when I am able to target a goal for each student at the same time without down time. While one student may be working on s-blends, another student may be working on categorization within the book, and it all works! Take the "I Spy" books for example. While one student "spies" trains, another student may need to "spy" two other objects in the picture that provide transportation.
Interactive books encourage participation by the reader. Maybe the interactive part of the whole concept is a dead giveaway, but students must interact with the book, becoming an active participant instead of passive participant.
Interactive books are engaging. When children are engaged, they are required to think and make choices, creating a more meaningful learning experience.
My obsession has spilled over in to my evenings the last week and a half...I just finished creating two interactive language books for students in grades K-3, students with language deficits, and DCD groups. My colleague and I are in putting them together to use with our groups next week!
Let's Build A Snowman!
This 11-page interactive book targets basic concepts, following directions, basic comprehension, and answering “WH” questions. It lends itself to work with students with a variety of needs. There is blank sheet with a frame at the end of this download for students to draw their own snowman.
Sweet Treat Directions
This 12-page interactive book targets following directions using sequential concepts and physical features. The directions can be modified to include one or two-step directions by leaving out part of the written prompt on each page. There is a blank sheet with a frame at the end of this download for students to draw their favorite winter treat.
Looking for additional resources? Check out these gems!
MightBook.com - This site is filled with songs, interactive books, beginning reading activities, arts, science, and the list goes on and on!
Listen and Read: Reading Activities for Early Learners - Supported by Scholastic, this site provides 54 nonfiction read-along books.
MeeGenius - This site has free online audio books for children. They can listen to them or read them aloud. The site allows for students to have words highlighted as they read.
National Geographic Young Explorer - This site is a great science resource where students can listen to audio readings of magazines. The rate is slower and the words are highlighted.
Highlights Kids Story Player - This site features text, audio, and pictures with prose and poetry.
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