Picture Stories
Learn
Pictures can tell stories without any words! When you look at a picture carefully, you can understand what is happening. Let's learn how to "read" pictures!
What is a Picture Story?
A picture story is when pictures show us what is happening. We look at the pictures and figure out the story - who, what, where, and when!
Questions to Ask About Pictures
Who is in the picture?
What are they doing?
Where is this happening?
Is it day or night? What season?
Picture Detective Tip!
Look at the SMALL details! A hat, a bag, or the weather can help you understand the story better.
Telling Stories in Order
Some picture stories have many pictures. We put them in order to tell the whole story!
First
Then
Finally
Picture Clues
Look for clues in pictures that tell you more about the story!
Sun = daytime
Moon = nighttime
Snow = winter
Smile = happy
Tears = sad
Backpack = school
Examples
Let's practice reading picture stories together!
Example 1: A Day at the Park
What we see: A child, a soccer ball, a tree, and the sun.
The story: A child is playing soccer at the park during the day.
Clues used: The sun tells us it's daytime. The tree tells us it's outside, probably a park.
Example 2: Bedtime
What we see: A girl, a bed, the moon, and a book.
The story: A girl is reading a book in bed at nighttime.
Clues used: The moon tells us it's night. The bed tells us it's bedtime.
Example 3: A Sequence Story
The story: First there was an egg. Then the egg hatched into a baby chick. Finally, the chick grew bigger!
Order words: First, then, finally help us tell the story.
Example 4: Feelings in Pictures
What we see: A boy crying, a bone, and a dog walking away.
The story: The boy is sad because his dog took the bone and walked away.
Clues used: The boy's crying face shows he is sad. We can guess WHY by looking at the other pictures.
Example 5: Making Predictions
What we see: Clouds and a woman with an umbrella.
The story: The woman is bringing an umbrella because it looks like it might rain.
Prediction: What might happen next? It will probably rain! The clouds are the clue.
Practice Problems
Look at each picture and answer the questions!
Problem 1
What is the person doing?
Show Answer
The person is cooking food! The chef hat, pot, and fire all show us someone is cooking.
Problem 2
What special event is happening?
Show Answer
It's a birthday party! The cake, balloons, and gift are all birthday clues.
Problem 3
Why is the girl happy even though it's raining?
Show Answer
She has an umbrella to keep her dry! She's prepared for the rain.
Problem 4
What is happening in this sequence?
Show Answer
Someone is collecting more apples! First 1, then 2, then 3. The number is growing!
Problem 5
Where is this person, and what is their job?
Show Answer
This is a doctor at a hospital! The stethoscope and hospital building are clues.
Problem 6
What is the sleeping person doing?
Show Answer
They are dreaming about ice cream! The thought bubble shows what they're thinking or dreaming.
Problem 7
Why does the cat look happy?
Show Answer
The cat is happy because it's playing with yarn! Cats love to play with yarn balls.
Problem 8
Where is this happening?
Show Answer
This is happening at school! Books, pencils, and a teacher are all school things.
Problem 9
Morning
Afternoon
Night
What does this sequence show?
Show Answer
This shows a whole day passing! From morning to afternoon to night.
Problem 10
Tell the story of what is happening.
Show Answer
A mom gave a child a cookie, and the child is enjoying eating it! The yummy face shows they like the cookie.
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about picture stories!
Question 1
What four questions should you ask when looking at a picture?
Show Answer
WHO is in the picture? WHAT are they doing? WHERE is it happening? WHEN is it happening?
Question 2
What are "picture clues"?
Show Answer
Picture clues are small details that help us understand the story better. Things like the sun (daytime), moon (nighttime), or a smile (happy) are clues!
Question 3
Why is the ORDER of pictures important in a sequence?
Show Answer
The order tells us what happened first, next, and last! Stories make sense when we know the right order.
Question 4
How can a person's face help you understand a picture story?
Show Answer
Faces show feelings! A smile means happy, tears mean sad, and a scared face means afraid. Feelings help us understand the story!
Next Steps
Practice at Home!
- Look at pictures in a book and tell your own story about them
- Draw 3 pictures that tell a story (beginning, middle, end)
- Find picture clues in your favorite book - what do they tell you?
- Play "picture detective" - find hidden clues in magazine pictures!