How can you inspire boundless creativity and strengthen evidence-based teaching using the magic of picture books? In this illuminating episode of the Picture This Podcast, host Adam Lehrhaupt sits down with acclaimed author and educator Carmen Oliver!
Designed specifically for **elementary teachers** and **librarians**, this conversation is a treasure trove of actionable ideas. Carmen shares her expertise on seamlessly integrating picture books into your curriculum to boost **student engagement**, enhance **literacy skills**, and support the **science of reading**.
Discover innovative strategies like:
📖 Sensory writing activities with "The Twilight Library"
🎶 Building instruments from recycled materials inspired by "Building an Orchestra of Hope"
✍️ Fostering young writers through student-created class books
🌍 Using picture books to discuss social issues & activism with "My Voice Is a Spirit Bear"
Whether you're looking to deepen social-emotional learning, ignite a passion for STEM, or simply find new ways to connect with your students, Carmen Oliver provides practical, evidence-based methods to transform your teaching.
Guest Spotlight:
Carmen Oliver is a passionate advocate for children's literature, founder of The Booking Biz, and an expert in connecting authors with young readers. Her insights will empower your teaching!
🔗 Learn more about Carmen Oliver's work: https://www.carmenoliver.com
📚 Picture Books Featured in This Episode:

Note: I’ve included an amazon affiliate link for each book mentioned below, but I always recommend shopping at your local independent bookstore whenever possible.

• Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen Oliver (Reading comprehension, social skills)
• Building an Orchestra of Hope by Carmen Oliver (STEM, music, environmental studies)
• Twilight Library by Carmen Oliver, illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora (Sensory writing, descriptive language)
• A Voice for the Spirit Bears by Carmen Oliver (Social studies, environmental activism)
• Grandfather Gandhi by Bethany Hegedus and Arun Gandhi, illustrated by Evan Turk (3–5: History, art, social-emotional learning)

💡 Actionable Takeaways for Educators:

• "The pictures really are the story." - Carmen Oliver
• "If you write, you’re a writer. The only difference between me and you is that I’ve been published." - Adam Lehrhaupt
• "Picture books are perfect conversation starters." - Carmen Oliver

Try this with your class this week: Implement the Five Senses Game using 'Twilight Library'.
Add to your lesson planning: Student-created class books to promote creativity and ownership.
Consider for your next unit: Design a STEM project where students build instruments from recycled materials.
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Download your FREE Visual Literacy Toolkit! Get exclusive activities and resources to integrate visual literacy into your curriculum: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/teachers-guides-2/
• Explore more of Carmen Oliver's work and books: https://www.carmenoliver.com
• Sign up for our newsletter for more teaching tips and podcast updates: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/newsletter-signup]
• Listen to other episodes of the Picture This Podcast: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/podcast/