Best Practice

Picture book pedagogy: Unlocking the power of visual narratives for critical thinking

The BRIDGE project was set up to harness the potential of picture book pedagogy and expand upon dialogic teaching approaches. It led to the creation of a model for teaching critical thinking and other skills that primary schools can easily adopt. Sarah Pavey explains
Image: Adobe Stock

In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, primary schools face the crucial task of equipping pupils with critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and a sense of global citizenship. As educators, we must constantly seek innovative approaches to address these educational priorities effectively.

The Erasmus-funded BRIDGE project (Abbatecola et al, 2024) offers a compelling solution: harnessing the power of picture books as a bridge to inquiry-based learning, providing a fresh perspective on how we can engage young minds and nurture these essential skills.

 

The case for picture book pedagogy

Picture books, with their rich visual narratives, serve as powerful tools for engaging pupils across the primary age range. These seemingly simple books possess a unique ability to captivate young minds, help develop cognitive critical skills and promote social-emotional growth.

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