SCHOOL LIBRARIES WORLDWIDE

Volume 7, Number 2, July 2001, 31-38.

Theme: Resources and Services for Special Groups

Ability, Disability, and Picture Books [PDF file]
Linda Lucas Walling
This article addresses selecting materials for children who have deficits or strengths in their use of certain learning modes. The seven types of intelligence Howard Gardner (1983) describes in his book Frames of Mind are used as a basis/or discussion. Each intelligence is viewed on a continuum from strength to deficit. An individual child can have both strengths and deficits in different intelligences. Loss of vision most obviously affects a child's use of picture books, but severe hearing impairments, dyslexia, and mental retardation—as well as other disabilities—all interfere. A child with a disability needs help to find an alternative technique to compensate for a blocked learning mode. Most picture books discussed in this article can be used effectively with any child depending on developmental level and personal interest. Many of the books support more than one intelligence.

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Last updated 29 October 2008 (KSB)