Science and Social Studies Standards Aligned Classroom Picture Books

There are many captivating picture books that build on student’s learning of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and California Social Studies Standards. Students learn NGSS material through experiments, reading articles, writing, and discussion. However, they rarely get time to read further about what they are learning in science in a leisurely way. This is similar for social studies. They each have a social studies text and workbook which serves as the base for learning California history. In addition, they have discussion, picture analysis, and projects. However, there are so many great children’s picture books that can illuminate our state history. Our school library has some of these texts, however there are mostly single copies. The fourth grade team would benefit from small group sets of these books to make them available to students during specific units. For example, when students study landforms in science in the fall, we can each have landform picture books in our classroom for students to read in guided reading groups, with a partner, or independently. Similarly, in the spring when students are studying the Gold Rush, we can have books such as, “If You Were a Kid During the Gold Rush” available for students to build on their knowledge of this important historical moment. Use of standards aligned picture books in the classroom will build and enhance student's reading comprehension and understanding of important fourth grade standards.