Children's books are ideal resources for onomatopoeia lesson plans! There's no question that onomatopoeia words truly are fun, but sometimes children can get caught up in the fun of the words and entirely miss the idea that using words that sound like the action it describes is not the end in itself.
Instead, onomatopoeia is used to
enhance the setting and the tone of the narrative. Children's
books
demonstrate this distinction beautifully, as they can provide 'real
world'
examples
of how fun and effective this writing device can be. Try reading the
book without the onomatopoeia, then a second time adding it in. Look
what a difference!
Rattletrap Car
by Phyllis Root
Preschool - 1st grade
Books with onomatopoeia are usually aimed at preschool age kids, yet this device is often not taught until middle elementary grades. The books below are mostly aimed at preschool to 1st grade, but we don't think it's too problematic using books with a lower interest level than your students if you explain this ahead of time. But, if you feel your class wouldn't respond well to books that are aimed much younger than they are, why not try comic books instead! They are over- flowing with onomatopoeia! We are not too hip on this genre, so we don't have any to recommend. Perhaps one of your students could help you find some good examples! :)
There are
many more great children's books that are also full of examples of
onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia and children's
books just seem to go hand in hand! If you haven't found the right one yet, check out these books below. (Or...Clang! Clang! Beep! Beep!: Listen to the City -- we are currently reviewing that cute book).
Everywhere the Cow Says Moo!
by Ellen Weinstein
Kindergarten - 2nd grade
Tiny Little Fly
by Michael Rosen
Preschool - 1st grade
Listen, Listen
by Phyliss Gershator
Kindergarten - 2nd grade
Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!
by Candace Fleming
Kindergarten - 3rd grade
The Emperor Lays an Egg
by Brenda Guiberson
1st grade - 3rd grade