Unit Plan 5 (PreK Library): Wondering About Pictures

Focus: Help PreK children understand that books and pictures can make us curious. Children practice noticing details, asking simple questions, wondering about what they see, using pictures and conversation to explore ideas, and sharing observations through words, pointing, gestures, movement, or drawing.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Library (Early Inquiry • Picture Noticing • Wondering/Observation)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This PreK library unit introduces children to the habit of noticing and wondering. During read-alouds, picture walks, and image-based conversations, the librarian invites children to look closely at illustrations, photographs, book covers, and objects connected to a story or topic. Children may point to a detail, ask a simple question, make a prediction, act out an idea, or share something they see.

The goal is not formal research or complete answers. Instead, children begin learning that curiosity is part of library learning. The librarian models simple prompts such as “What do you notice?” “What do you wonder?” and “What do the pictures help us think about?” This helps children understand that books and images can start questions, conversations, and discoveries.

Essential Questions

• What can I notice in a picture or book?
• What can I wonder about when I look closely?
• How can pictures, stories, and conversation help me explore a question?
• How can I share an observation or idea with others?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Show curiosity by asking questions, wondering, and noticing details in books, pictures, and library activities.
2. Use pictures, stories, and conversation to begin exploring answers to simple questions.
3. Share observations and ideas about books, topics, and objects introduced in library lessons.
4. Respond to picture prompts through pointing, speaking, drawing, movement, or gestures.
5. Practice using simple stems such as “I notice…” and “I wonder…” with adult support.
6. (Optional Sessions) Strengthen early inquiry habits through repeated picture walks, read-aloud pauses, nonfiction images, and shared noticing routines.

Standards Alignment — PreK (AASL-based Custom)

• L:S1.PKa — Show curiosity by asking questions, wondering, and noticing details in books, pictures, and library activities.
  • Example: A child asks, “Why is the bear sleeping?” during a read-aloud.
• L:S1.PKb — Use pictures, stories, and conversation to begin exploring answers to simple questions.
  • Example: A child looks through a nonfiction picture book to learn about insects after a class discussion.
• L:S1.PKc — Share observations and ideas about books, topics, and objects introduced in library lessons.
  • Example: A child points out something they noticed in an illustration and explains it to the class.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can look closely at a picture.
• I can say or show what I notice.
• I can wonder about a book or picture.
• I can use pictures and talk to learn something.
• I can share an idea with the group.
• I can be curious during library time.