March is Reading Month, and while many families are focused on decoding letters and sounding out words, we want to celebrate a different kind of reading: the kind that happens before a child ever reads a single word. It is called a Picture Walk, and it is one of the most powerful tools we use in speech therapy.
The Magic of the Picture Walk
A Picture Walk is exactly what it sounds like: instead of reading the text on the page, you and your child simply look at the illustrations together. You talk about what you see, what might be happening, and what could come next. It removes the pressure of reading and opens up a world of language, imagination, and connection.
Here is how to make the most of a Picture Walk:
- Skip the text. Close the book if you need to, or cover the words. Let the pictures do the talking.
- Follow their lead. Let your child point to what interests them. If they want to spend three minutes on the dog in the corner, that is perfect.
- Wait and listen. Give your child time to process and respond. Silence is not a bad thing - it means they are thinking.
- Narrate the action. Describe what is happening in the pictures: "The bear is climbing up the tree! He looks scared."
Expanding the Language
Once your child is engaged with the pictures, you can gently stretch their language. Use the Plus One Rule: if your child says one word, you respond with two. If they say "dog," you say "big dog" or "dog running."
You can also describe the feelings of characters in the illustrations. "She looks so happy! I think she is excited about the surprise." This builds emotional vocabulary and social understanding at the same time.
For children who use AAC or other multimodal strategies, Picture Walks are especially powerful. They give every child a way to participate in storytime regardless of their verbal abilities. You can model AAC use alongside the pictures, pointing to symbols on a device while talking about what you see.
Celebrating Communication in All Forms
Reading Month is not just about words on a page. It is about connection, shared experiences, and the joy of exploring stories together. Whether your child is babbling, using sign language, pressing buttons on a communication device, or reading chapter books, they are all readers.
Every milestone matters. Every form of communication counts. This Reading Month, grab a picture book, skip the words, and enjoy the walk.