As a Technology teacher, I’ve discovered that picture books are one of the most powerful tools I can use in the computer lab. Whether I’m teaching about responsible technology use, screen time balance, digital citizenship, or even how to take care of devices, there’s a picture book that fits perfectly—and when paired with book companions, those lessons really come to life.
What Are Book Companions?
A book companion is a set of hands-on, engaging activities that go along with a specific book. They help reinforce key themes while students practice skills like comprehension, sequencing, vocabulary, and even digital skills—all in a fun and focused way. The example on the left is a book companion I created for the book “Tek The Modern Cave Boy” by Patrick McDonnell. (click on the picture to go see the resource on TpT) It’s a book about Responsible Technology use and Screen Time that my students love! I use it at the beginning of the school year for a couple of years in a roll now, and the book companion has helped me get deeper into the topics and reliving parts of the story, making sure the kiddos will remember and fully understand the book and the moral of the story.
Why Picture Books Work in Tech Class
Something I get asked a lot. You might not think of picture books as part of a technology curriculum, but they’re a perfect fit—especially for younger learners. These books open up conversations about topics kids encounter every day, like:
- Spending too much time on screens
- Being kind and safe online
- Taking care of your tablet or Chromebook
- Knowing when it’s okay to take photos or videos
- Responsible social media use
- Respecting digital spaces and boundaries
- Coding concepts, etc.
Books like Tek: The Modern Cave Boy, #Goldilocks, Unplugged, Once Upon a Time Online, Chicken clicking, and The Technology Tail are student favorites in my classroom. Their colorful illustrations and relatable characters help kids understand real-world tech habits in a fun and memorable way.
Book Companions Keep Kids Learning and Engaged
With a good book companion, I can pause to talk about what’s happening in the story and dive into deeper discussions about online behavior or device use. Or I can give the students a fun break for the coloring of some scene from the book. Students stay engaged because they’re doing more than just listening—they’re thinking, sharing, writing, drawing and sometimes even creating tech-themed projects and crafting things with their own hands (bonus points for the fine motor skills of theirs).
A good book companion targets:
- Story comprehension
- Vocabulary and new words and concepts (especially when the topic is coding)
- Sequencing and story mapping
- Digital citizenship connections and Responsible technology use
- Creative responses or tech “tips” based on the book’s message
These types of activities help me hit multiple standards while keeping learning fun and connected to real life. I just love using picture books (technology-related!) and the book companions that go with them in my computer lab.
Ready to Explore?
You can grab individual book companions in my TPT store, here’s a link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/technology-realm-resources/category-book-companions-1315662. I’m always adding to the collection, so if there’s a book you (or your students) love about a certain tech topic you want covered, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas! And I’d love to create a Book companion about it as well!
Let’s raise tech-savvy students who know how to be safe, smart, and respectful with technology—one picture book at a time. Let’s create a love for books in their little hearts, and let’s show them the real world through the eyes of whimsical, funny, magical book creatures!
Technology Realm Resources 